Decision details

        The Principal Planning Officer (AC) delivered his report.

        The Chair thanked the officer and invited any questions from the committee.

        In response to a question regarding any further extensions to the application and concerns regarding noise issues, the officer stated that he had been assured that the extension to March 2022 was sufficient.  The officer pointed out that the conditions did deal with the proper reinstatement of the site. 

        There was concern that the Watford Community Housing (WCH) should reinstate to exactly how the site was before.  The officer explained that the conditions ensured that the programme detailing the proposed restoration of the site would submitted within three months. 

        In response to a question about sanctions should the deadline be missed; the officer pointed out that the current conditions were carefully worded to ensure that the site was fully restored to its original state.  There was enforcement action that could be taken if the applicant did not comply with the conditions. 

        The Head of Planning and Development explained that should WCH fail to meet the deadline, there would need to be another planning application put before the committee.  He added that that WCH had been clear on the timescales and he expressed his opinion that if they felt they would not meet the deadline, they would have asked for additional time at this stage. 

        Comment was made that the residents had been very patient and WCH owed it to the community to reinstate fully and in a timely manner. 

The Chair moved that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions contained within the officer’s report.

RESOLVED –

that, planning permission be granted subject to the below conditions. 

1.             By 31^st March 2022 the use hereby approved shall cease.

2.      The development shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The following drawings are hereby approved:

-          Drawing Number: 001.

-          Drawing Number: 100. Rev: A

3.      A programme for restoration of the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority within a period of 3 months commencing on the date of this permission.

4.      A programme for removing the vehicle crossover and reinstating the pavement, verge and kerb shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority within a period of 3 months commencing on the date of this permission.