Issue - meetings

The Local Review Body then considered the third request for a review to evaluate the decision taken by an appointed officer under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to refuse the request for planning permission for the erection of a temporary marquee within the forecourt of bar/restaurant/casino at 333 Union Street, planning reference 160624.

The Chairperson advised that the LRB would now be addressed by Mr Andrew Miller and stated that although the Planning Adviser was employed by the planning authority he had not been involved in any way with the consideration or determination of the application under review and was present to provide factual information and guidance to the Body only.  He emphasised that the officer would not be asked to express any view on the proposed application.

In relation to the application, the Local Review Body had before it (1) a delegated report by Ms Sepi Hajisoltani, Planner; (2) the decision notice dated 16 July 2016 (3) plans showing the proposal; (4) links to the planning policies referred to in the delegated report; and (5) the Notice of Review submitted by the applicant’s agent along with an accompanying statement.

The LRB was then addressed by Mr Andrew Miller, who advised that the submitted Notice of Review was found to be valid and submitted within the relevant timeframes.  Mr Miller explained that the site comprised a former church at the corner of Bon-Accord Street and Union Street and it is located within the Union Street Conservation area.  The ground floor of the building is used as a bar/restaurant accessed from Union Street and Langstane Place, whilst the upper floor is a casino accessed from Bon Accord Street.  Mr Miller advised that detailed planning permission was sought on a retrospective basis for the erection of the marquee on a temporary basis for three years.

In regards to consultee comments and objections, Mr Miller advised that one letter of objection had been received and it focused on the unacceptable effect on the visual amenity for an important Grade B listed building facing Union Street.

The Grounds of Appeal Statement which accompanied the Notice of Review advised that (a) the 2005 consents for extensions remain valid as they were implemented, (b) the marquee is a temporary structure that is relatively modest and hidden, (c) it can only be seen when in close proximity and (d)it would contribute towards the aim for City Centre regeneration.

The delegate reportadvised that the stated reason for refusal of planning permission was as follows:-

due to its inappropriate quality, design and material the temporary structure detracts from the setting and character of the listed building and visual amenity within the wider conservation area by reason of its prominent position in public view on Union Street. On the basis of the above, and following on from the evaluation under policy and guidance, it is considered that the proposal does not accord with the provisions of the Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement, Scottish Planning Policy, the Aberdeen Local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3