Conversion of Former Chapel Into Boutique Cinema

DELEGATED OFFICER REPORT

A150350

Conversion of former chapel into boutique cinema

Gerlan Chapel, High Street, Borth

Full

DESCRIPTION OF WORKS:

Application for conversion of chapel building, now vacant, to a boutique cinema. Building is located directly off the High Street in Borth. Plans show the provision of 30 seat cinema with toilet, kitchen and counter area on ground floor whilst the upper floor will provide for a dining area and lounge, toilets and kitchen area. External alterations are kept to a minimum although a seating area will be provided to the front of the building projecting out at first floor level which will be glazed and cladded in timber.

CONSULTATIONS & THIRD PARTY REPRESENTATIONS:

HLS (Building Control) – Building capable of conversion

ATS (Highways) – No objection

ATS (Flooding) – No objection

Dyfed Archaeology – No objection STC

CC Y Borth CC – No objection

Theatres Trust – Support proposal

NRW – No objection

HLS (Ecology) – No objection STC

DC/WW – No objection STC

No third party objections

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Section 38 (6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 states that: “If regard is to be had to the development plan for the purpose of any determination to be made under the planning Acts the determination must be in accordance with the plan unless material consideration indicate otherwise”.

CONCLUSIONS:

The key policy in relation to this proposal is LU22 which deals with community provision and looks to retain the uses of buildings for such provision unless it can be justified. In this instance, whilst chapels and cinemas are classed in different categories under the Use Classes Order it is considered that both uses provide a form of community provision. The principle of development for the use of the building as a cinema is therefore acceptable.

It is considered that the proposal will not have a negative effect on the character of the building or immediate area. The proposal has been amended to remove any highly vulnerable development due to concerns from NRW on flooding grounds.

The proposal is acceptable and can be supported subject to conditions.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approval subject to conditions

MEMBER CONTACTED:

N/A

OFFICER: JHE DATE: 24/11/15