Gateshead council looks set to grant a local business permission to expand despite public objections.
The Ford and Slater commercial vehicle workshop, based in Fell Bank, applied for the construction of an additional outbuilding. The proposed unit would occupy 93 square metres and would serve for the storage of automotive parts.
The proposal however has prompted six letters of objection. A council report stated the concerns largely focused on noise, health implications, potential road damage, and a presumed decrease in house prices.
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Other social concerns were acknowledged including fears of vandalism and disruption to daily life owing to the operating hours of the business.
However, council officers claimed in the report: “This application is for an additional building which is not expected to have any significant impact on the daily operation of the site including comings and goings and hours of use therefore it is considered that the addition of this building would not have any significant impact on the amenity of nearby residents as a result of noise disturbance.
In addition, council officers dismissed noise concerns given the closest homes are 35 metres away from the proposed site.
Fears of vandalism were also dismissed by planning officers. The report states: “Concerns have been raised with regards to the potential for vandalism however it is not anticipated that the proposed building, to be located inside a secure site, would increase the potential for vandalism and an application of this nature would not trigger the need to seek a response from Northumbria Police.
Planning officers also reminded councillors concerns regarding loss of house values is not a material concern to planning applications. Councillors have been recommended to approve the application.
The planning and development committee is due to meet to discuss and consider the application on Wednesday 8 June at 6pm in Gateshead civic centre.
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