Mixed Used Scheme Appeal Success at Frampton Cotterell
CSJ Planning have successfully won a Planning Appeal at the former Rentokil Site at 11 Court Road, Frampton Cotterell. Rentokil vacated the property approximately two years ago as part of a rationalisation of the business moving to Brislington. The proposal was to redevelop the site with three new residential dwellings and a new Gospel Hall with associated parking. The application was submitted on the basis of being a sustainable site, close to the local centre and previously developed land. A full marketing report accompanied the application which set out that commercial redevelopment was investigated but the age and condition of the property rendered redevelopment for employment unviable. Concerns were also raised by those that viewed the property that the proximity of adjoining neighbour’s gardens would restrict industrial activity in terms of residential amenity. The application was successfully negotiated by CSJ Planning to deliver an Officer recommendation for approval, however South Gloucestershire Committee refused the application on the basis of their claim that it was inadequately marketed for commercial re-use and also that the scheme did not comply with the Policy for mixed-use. CSJ evidence was wholeheartedly supported by the Inspector in every regard as he considered that all attempts had been made to secure a business use and therefore the proposal did comply with Policy CS13. The Inspector did not accept the concerns raised in terms of traffic generation and amenity raised by local residents given the evidence provided in terms of the hours of operation and use. The Inspector also fully agreed with CSJ Planning that the proposal was a suitable mixed use of C3/D1 and therefore there was no basis for the Council’s claim that mixed use should incorporate an employment element. Whilst the Appeal has created delay, the project can now move forward to provide a sustainable mixed use development within a local centre which will deliver a major visual improvement and upgrade the site which is currently vacant and in poor condition. The full appeal details can be found at APP/PO119/A/14/2222155
