School Road Co-op planning application appeal dismissed

The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal over plans to build a Co-op convenience store on the site of the former Reepham Motors garage at 31 School Road, Reepham.
 

 
The appeal was made by Alan Bruner, a director of Manchester-based Northhold Group, against the decision of Broadland District Council, which refused to grant planning permission last May.
 
In his decision, planning inspector Jonathan Price, who visited the site in early December, said the main issue were whether the proposal would: provide adequate on-site parking and servicing facilities to secure the safe operation of the adjacent highway; preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the town’s conservation area; and have any material impact on the living conditions of adjoining residential occupiers, with particular regard to privacy, noise and disturbance.
 
Mr Price agreed there would be benefits from revitalising a rundown site and making use of previously developed land to improve the retail offer available to Reepham residents in a central location accessible by bus and within walking/cycling distance of surrounding homes.
 
“However, these benefits would be outweighed by the adverse impact on the safe operation of the adjacent highway and the harm… to the conservation area and to the living conditions of nearby residents,” he stated. “As a consequence I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.”
 
Download the full appeal decision HERE
 
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