Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:

With reference to paragraph 4 of the Minute of 21 March 2022, the Local Review Body continued their consideration of the request from Ferguson Planning, 54 Island Street, Galashiels to review the decision to refuse the planning application for the change of use from Industrial (Class4,5,6) to a Functional Fitness Gym (Class 11) at Unit B, Whinstone Mill, Netherdale Industrial Estate, Galashiels.  The supporting papers included the Notice of Review (including the Decision Notice and Officer’s Report); Papers referred to in the Officer’s report; additional information; consultation replies; General comments; further representation; list of policies and submission by the Economic Development Officer and Planning Officer and response from Applicant on the applicants review statement regarding vacant industrial and commercial premises within Galashiels.   After considering all relevant information, the Local Review Body concluded that the development was consistent with Policies PMD3 and ED1 of the Local Development Plan. The development was considered to be a justified exception within an industrial area with increasingly mixed use, providing gym facilities for which there was a proven demand. Subject to conditions ensuring gym use only and a reversion to industrial uses should the gym use cease, the application was approved.

DECISION

AGREED that:-

(a)         the request for review had been competently made in terms of Section 43A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997;

(b)       the review could be considered without the need for any further procedure on the basis of the papers submitted;

(c)         the development was consistent with Policies PMD3 and ED1 of the Local Development Plan and considered to be a justified exception within an industrial area with increasingly mixed use, providing gym facilities for which there was a proven demand; and

(d)        the officer’s decision to refuse the application be overturned and the application approved, subject to conditions set out in Appendix III to this Minute.