Agenda item

To consider the following applications:

1.      16/02986/F – Bristol Zoo Gardens, Guthrie Road, Bristol  BS8 3HA – Clifton

2.      16/01848/F – 56 Filton Avenue, Bristol BS7 0AP – Demolition of Existing Dwelling and Redevelopment With 5 Number Apartments With Associated Refuse and Cycle Storage - Horfield

16/02986/F – Bristol Zoo Gardens

(Councillor Dudd left the Meeting during this item.)

The Representative of the Service Director, Planning introduced the report, summarised it and gave a presentation of the application.

During the debate and questioning the following issues were highlighted:

·         The design was considered to be good  and appropriate

·         Concerns were expressed about car parking, particularly on the adjacent streets and the inconvenience and irritation this will cause local residents

·         The issue of parking enforcement was also discussed, although it was noted that the Zoo has no powers to require people to park or not park in any particular areas

·         Concerns were also expressed about the pedestrian access that it is proposed to use, even though it was noted that this is an existing access and is close to the restaurant; it was suggested that the applicant may wish to consider using an access nearer to the car park

·         The issue of the access and its proximity to the neighbouring boarding house, and the noise and disturbance that will be caused by customers leaving the premises late at night

·           Concerns were expressed about the closing hours applied for

In response issues raised about car parking, Officers explained that it was estimated that the restaurant would result in 46 to 47 extra cars in the area each carrying an average of 2.6 people; this could not be considered a safety issue. A survey carried out had shown that 172 car parking spaces are available in the evening. Any refusal of the application on the grounds of car parking could not be defended at an Appeal.

Councillor Mead stated that a lot of concerns had been raised by Members and that he considered deferring a decision on this application. He therefore moved that a decision on the application be deferred to allow the applicant to address the issue of noise concerns by possibly relocating the entrance to the site. It would also allow the applicant more time to discuss this issue with  local residents . He also suggested that a site visit may be appropriate. Councillor Stevens seconded this Motion.

On being put to the Vote it was Carried – voting 6 for, 3 against and 1 abstention.

The issue of a site visit was then put to the Vote and this was Carried – voting 5 for, 3 against and 2 abstentions.

It was therefore

Resolved – (1) that a decision on this application be deferred until a future Meeting of the Committee to address the issue of noise concerns; and

(2) that a site visit be made by the Committee.

16/01848/FB – 56 Filton Avenue

The Representative of the Service Director, Planning introduced the report, summarised it and gave a presentation of the application.

During the debate and questioning most Members considered the design to be good. However some Members expressed concerns about the lack of off street parking. In response to concerns about car parking, Officers explained that lack of off street car parking had not been a reason for refusal in previous applications and appeals on this site and could not therefore be reasonably introduced as grounds for refusal now. To justify refusal the Council would have to demonstrate safety issues relating to on street parking.

Councillor Wright moved the recommendations. Councillor Windows seconded them.

On being put to the Vote it was

Resolved – (7 for, 2 against and 1 abstention) that planning permission be granted subject to conditions as set out in the report.

The Meeting finished at 4.15pm.