The report of the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is attached.

(Councillor Monaghan left the meeting and returned during the discussion and so took no part in the decision of this item)

The application was for the development of a combined bussing and motor transport service centre consisting of a part single/part two storey motor transport building, a single storey bus washing building, provision of a public long stay car park (2,700 car parking spaces), amendments to the layout of Wilmslow Old Road, together with the provision of landscaping and surface water drainage infrastructure and the demolition of four residential properties (Vicarage Cottages).

The site was allocated as Airport Operational Area and comprised 12.06 hectares (ha) to the south west of the airport’s cargo and maintenance area. It was bounded by Wilmslow Old Road to the north east, the Runway Visitor Park to the east and two arms of Cotterill Clough ancient woodland to the west and south. Cotterill Clough is a statutory designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also encompasses a non-statutory designated Site of Biological Importance (SBI). The site is predominantly made up of open fields that have previously been used for grazing. Within the site is a Grade II listed building, the former Cloughbank Farm, and a small complex of associated brick outbuildings and two metal barns. Listed Building Consent (ref. 122399/LO/2019) was granted in April 2019 to undertake works to existing farmhouse and to demolish a number of outbuildings. On the north-eastern boundary of the site were the four Vicarage Cottages to be demolished.

The Late Representations submitted to the meeting proposed the amendment of Condition 12 to address mitigation of the harm to Great Crested Newt ponds within the site.

A resident of one of the Vicarage Cottages addressed the meeting. She objected to the loss of her home and that of her neighbour who was elderly. She criticised the consultation process that the applicant had used. She told the Committee that Historic England had suggested to her that the cottages might be worthy of being listed buildings. She spoke of the concerns about the ecological impact of the proposals.

A representative of the applicant also addressed the committee. He outlined the redevelopment strategy for the airport and how this scheme was part of the overall programme of works to relocate operational facilities whist the other parts of the strategy were implemented. It was therefore a very important component of the airport’s future.

Commenting on the issues raised the Planning Officer reported that whilst the loss of houses was regretted and would normally be resisted, there was a set of unique circumstances in this case that justified their demolition. He also explained the consultations that had been undertaken by the Council in relation to the planning application, and that consultations by the applicant in their capacity as landlord for the cottages was a separate matter.

Members of the Committee satisfied themselves that the ecological impacts of the development were to be mitigated and noted the possibility of the cottages having listed building status in the future. They agreed that given the circumstances of this application the loss of the family homes was justified.

Decision

To approve subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report and the amended condition as set out in the Late Representations.

(Councillors Nasrin Alii and Riasat left the meeting after consideration of this item and so took no part in the remaining business)