Peterborough planning round-up: New floor at retail park approved, drop-kerb outside refused for safety reasons

The 700sq m mezzanine floor at Unit D of the Boulevard Retail Park was approved despite planning regulations restricting additional building until 2022.

City planning officers had recommended the approval of the application on the basis that the unit not be sub-divided further, and that the mezzanine area be used for the storage or display of heavy goods such as furniture or DIY, large domestic appliances, carpets, camping equipment or boats.

The application was unanimously approved.

An application for a drop-kerb at the front of 152 Garton End Road, Park ward, was refused on the basis that it would detrimental to the safety of any road users or pedestrians faced with a vehicle reversing into or out of the driveway as not enough vehicle-to-vehicle visibility is available.

The landlord, Gbolahan Somoye, speaking on behalf of his tenants, said: “Nearly every other house on Garton End Road, including those either side of number 152, already have drop-kerbs.

“My tenants were initially given permission from the landlord of The Elm Tree pub immediately opposite for them to park their vehicle on his car park; but it was vandalised and they cannot park outside the property as there are double yellow lines – so this is the only option.”

Cllr Peter Hiller said: “This is a very busy road which has a 30mph limit on it and double yellow lines for much of its length.

“We must observe highways officers’ recommendations for safety in matters such as these or we set a very dangerous precedent.”

Cllr Mahboob Hussain added: “While other properties on this road have drop-kerbs, these are historic and it seems that number 152 was not given one because the alley between it and the neighbouring property is too narrow for a vehicle.

“The visibility on this road coming out a driveway at number 152 would not be good, and as vehicles using this road do drive quickly, and without vehicles in their way parked on the side, it would be dangerous to other road users and pedestrians – for those reasons I will be refusing the application.”

Members voted 7-2 to refuse the application.

Robert Alexander, Local Democracy Reporting Service