Decision details

The committee considered the exempt report relating to an application for planning permission for the conversion of the former working men’s club at 1 Scarborough Street. Irthlingborough, into eight two-bedroom apartments and five one-bedroom apartments, with change of use from Sul Generis (formerly A4) drinking establishment to C3 residential.

The application was the subject of an appeal against non-determination lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and therefore committee would not be able to determine the application.

The chair permitted Councillor Maxwell, as ward councillor, to address the meeting.  

Members discussed the report and raised questions and concerns.

The chair invited members to consider the officer recommendation within the report, that had the local planning authority retained the power to make the decision, such decision would have been to grant the application, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. 

The motion was proposed by Councillor Mercer and seconded by Councillor Irwin and on being put to the vote this was declared carried with six votes in favour, two against and one abstention.

The chair asked members if they agreed to making such decision available to the Planning Inspector as part of the appeal. Members were concerned that this decision had been made confidentially and that it would now be made available and asked for advice from the monitoring or legal officer.

Mr Bell, Legal Adviser, confirmed that the minutes would only give a summary of the discussion and the decision, that had it still been in the local authority’s power to make, would be provided to the Planning Inspectorate to assist in the appeal process.

It was proposed by Councillor Irwin and seconded by Councillor Brown that the information be provided. On being put to the vote there were seven votes in favour and two against.

Resolved that:

(i)              had the local planning authority retained the power to make a decision, such decision would have been to grant the application, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. 

(ii)            The Planning Inspectorate be informed of the above.