The Co-operative Group have been granted permission for a change of use at 8 McDonald Rd from public house to convenience store (Ref. 11/00435/FUL).
Despite 20 letters of objection, a local petition, and representations from local politicians, the go-ahead was given for operating hours from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 9am–9pm hours on a Sunday.
Planning officials determined that 'The proposals comply with the development plan and non-statutory guidelines and have no adverse effect upon neighbouring amenity or road safety'. However, they imposed conditions which include restriction of the retail area to 222 square metres at ground-floor level only, and strict control of any noise and vibration.
One person wrote in support of the proposal.
See Breaking news (22.2.11) for how the story broke.
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Not strictly in our patch, but still of interest, is an application by Scotmid to convert 42 Hamilton Place into a retail unit (Ref. 11/01305/FUL). The space in question was a shop some twenty years ago prior to its absorption by the Council-owned Theatre Workshop as an 'auxiliary gallery space' and reception area.
The total floorspace is 60.24 square metres, and intended operating hours are from 9am–5pm.
Scotmid opened in the former Woolworth's building at 35 Raeburn Place in 2009, and has a long-standing presence at 50-60 Hamilton Place. It clearly takes its self-appointed role of being 'a vital part of the local community' very seriously indeed.
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In a slew of other more or less controversial applications recently covered in the Spurtle, permission has been granted for:
a shopfront redesign at 10 Picardy Place (Ref. 11/00632/ADV). Under revised proposals, the amount of the yellow background colour (a cheeful shade of Hertz Van Rental chunder) on the main fascia has been limited to 'an acceptable level which will not adversely affect the character and appearance of the conservation area, or impact on public amenity or safety'. (Breaking news 15.3.11)
siting of a 3.65 metres by 1.82 metres kiosk on the St James Centre forecourt for the purpose of selling 'hot gourmet meat products to the general public' (Ref. 11/00794/FUL). The Council's environmental assessment noted that food will be cooked off site and reheated in a microwave or Panini machine within the kiosk. 'It is anticipated that the operation of such equipment will not create odours of sufficient intensity which will impact upon the surrounding premises'. (Breaking news 15.3.11)
- amendments to the design of Richard Murphy's new dwelling off Hart Street (Ref. 11/00076/FUL). An archaeological survey of this interesting site must be undertaken before work begins. (Breaking news 24.3.11)