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DETAIL
We discussed this application
at our committee meeting last night.
With the "Town Centre Enhancements" now progressing, we think
all town centre applications should be considered in the context
of the proposals to ensure we have a properly integrated process
of changing Class types that fit within the intent of the
consultant's vision for the town centre and will be considering
this aspect with all new town centre applications. What is your
departments view on the implications of the Enhancements on town
centre planning applications?
We have the following observations and concerns we would like
you to consider when you process this particular application:
1. We are very concerned that many of the Class A1 premises have
been changed to Class A5, or so it seems. Whilst we acknowledge
that at this present time there may be empty A1 premises, there
are also empty A5 premises (eg. Whitehorse Street) and we cannot
see the logic in granting another Class A5 change with suitable
premises within 50 metres of this shop.
2. Baldock is already well served with Class A5 premises. Are we
risking loosing the balance of Class types within the town
centre?
3. With the Town Centre Enhancements on the table, we are hoping
for a regeneration of the business within the town centre and we
expect a balance of types of outlets, not all Class A5.
4. Have you carried out a survey to establish the number of
various Class types that exist to ensure the balance is
maintained in the area? Are there any guidelines on what a
"Good" town centre balance should be? How do you control the
balance?
5. We have major concerns about "Shop Front" design, in
particular the use of unsuitable colours, lettering, lighting
and design features. It is essential that any new premises are
designed with the intent of the "enhancements" in mind and we
would like to know how your department is planning to control
this aspect going forward. We know you been involved with the
enhancement scheme and it's vision for Baldock and would expect
you to have a documented policy on how future applications are
being considered within this context? We think it essential that
any new applications take the intent and direction of the
enhancements into account, and their application statements
should explain how this is being considered and achieved.
6. We have major concerns about litter in and around the town,
much of which is from discarded "take-away" food. What plans
does your department have for the control of this going forward?
We think any new food outlet (as well as all existing food
outlets) should be required to show signage about dropping
litter from their clients and requesting they act responsibly in
the disposal of the cartons and wrappings when they have
consumed the food (although many of course also discard the food
causing potential Public Health issues with rodents). This
signage should also explain it is an offence to drop litter and
what the level of fine is. We have been requesting "Litter"
signs for the town for a long time now and are always told there
is no budget. Therefore, we think the start could be to make the
originator's of the litter pay for signage.
7. There are concerns about the ongoing maintenance of the
sophisticated ventilation system, which is to be designed to
avoid nuisance from noise and cooking odours. Who monitors this
in the future to make sure that it is properly controlled? We
think this should be a condition of the planning approval, if
given. Also, a noise level is stated in the documents as a limit
to the output from the fan system. What is this based on? Has an
acoustic survey been carried out that covers the area affected
and the time span the outlet is intended to be open. Has the
environmental impact been properly evaluated?
8. Have all local residents been advised of this application?
Another food outlet, next to the one already there, will
increase the late night noise, traffic and possible nuisance
from fan systems operating in the small hours.
9. With the new smoking restrictions, what provision will be
provided for the clients, who have an allocated waiting room, to
smoke? It would be unacceptable to have people waiting around
outside the premises where the pavement is very narrow and is
the point at which the crossing is located. Has this aspect been
considered?
We thank you for considering our views and concerns.
Yours sincerely ,
Chairman
Baldock Society
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