HERE is a look at five planning stories we reported on during June.
These include applications that have been submitted or decided on, which we have covered over the past month.
Former Frankie & Benny's
Plans were sent in to convert a former restaurant premises which has been empty for several years into a vets practice.
A new application has been sent in to council planners for the vacant former Frankie & Benny’s unit at Ravenhead Retail Park.
The unit "was previously occupied by Frankie & Benny’s as a restaurant", until this relocated to Linkway West in 2018 before eventually closing in 2020.
The unit at Ravenhead Retail Park has remained vacant since the relocation.
The Star recently reported after previous plans to subdivide the unit, with a bakery chain having expressed interest in one half, were withdrawn.
This was due to a “withdrawal” of interest from the bakery operator.
The plans stated: “Animal Trust Vets would take the unit on a 15-year lease ensuring its long-term occupation and use."
A decision by council planners on the application is expected by July 16.
Read the full story here.
Rural caravan storage site
A retrospective planning application to use land at a rural site for caravan storage was submitted.
The plans were drawn up for the use of land to the west of Willow Park Equestrian and Fishing Centre, at Warrington Road, in Bold Heath.
They form part of a "wider farm diversification programme" across the site.
Plans stated: "The storage of caravans particularly during the winter months provides an additional source of income to support the leisure and recreational activities which are the core business elements taking place on the site."
They argued "that in this particular case ‘very special circumstances’ exists that would warrant to granting of a temporary planning permission for a period of five years" on the green belt site.
A decision deadline on the plans was set for July 24.
Read the full story here.
Ex-William Hill premises
Proposals to turn a former betting shop into a convenience store were drawn up.
An application has been sent for a proposed change of use of the vacant former William Hill on Seddon Street, Windlehurst, into a retail premises.
Applicant Mr A Kanthanathan has submitted the bid to council planners, which claims that prior approval is not required for the conversion.
Plans said: "The proposals for the site are to use the existing betting office commercial floor space as a retail premises selling convenience goods" and that "no external alterations are proposed as part of this application".
Dozens of residents have signed a petition to express their opposition to the plans, stating that with two existing nearby shops another is not needed in the area.
One resident said: "It is to no one’s benefit for another shop to move in five doors done from an existing one and I can speak for the street and surrounding area when I say we do not want another shop."
A determination deadline on the plans has been set for July 23.
Read the full story here.
Restoration of Listed Building
Plans to restore a listed farmhouse to enable the creation of a family home were drawn up.
Listed building consent is sought from council planners for works to Old Manor House, on Garswood Road, Garswood.
A Heritage and Planning Statement, drawn up by agents RJG Architecture, on behalf of the applicant states: “Manor House is a two-storey Grade II listed farmhouse dating from between the 16th and 17th century which was remodelled in the 18th century.
Plans also say: “By restoring the building, removing the current render to expose the original brickwork, retaining the original fenestration design, the public benefit is that a dilapidated heritage asset is restored, and the street scene is much improved on how it is currently.”
A decision deadline on the plans is set for July 26.
Read the full story here.
Homes near Sutton Cricket and Tennis Club
Plans for homes on empty land formerly used as tennis courts have been passed.
An application proposing the construction of four properties, on land adjacent to Sutton Cricket and Tennis Club, on New Street, had been put forward to town hall planners in January.
A landscaping statement said the site is vacant and was previously used as tennis courts.
There were two representations made against the proposals citing worries over there being "little privacy" due to the proximity of a nearby garden.
Planning officer Stephen Gill noted in a report "the applicant has taken reasonable measures in relation to carrying out a Ball Strike Assessment, and the mitigation proposed is reasonable considering the surroundings and the fact that there are other existing residential properties in the immediate vicinity of the site, that do not offer any mitigation in relation to ball strikes".
It was added: "It is not considered that the development would cause unacceptable amenity implications for the neighbouring properties".
Read the full story here.
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