Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Planning and Building Control.

(Report circulated)

The Development Manager presented the planning application for change of use from a dwelling to Buddhist residential and meditation/study centre at 55 Union Road, Exeter.

This property was a large terraced dwelling. The proposal was for seven bedrooms and public classes on Tuesday evenings, enrolled classes on Sunday mornings and approximately 10 day courses throughout the year.

Members were circulated with an update sheet giving details of the comments from the Head of Environmental Health Services with regard to noise, kitchen extraction and refuse storage. A letter had been received from the objector stating that because of a recent spell in hospital they would not be able to speak at the meeting.

The recommendation was for refusal for the reasons that the use would be detrimental to the residential amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring properties and the development did not make adequate provision for the parking of vehicles within the site and would therefore be likely to encourage parking on the highway, with consequent additional danger to road users.

Councillor Cole, having given notice under Standing Order No.44, spoke on this item. She raised the following points:-

• supported the application
• the property would provide a home for like minded people
• the Pure Land Buddhist Centre would be a family set up
• all occupants would sign a tenancy agreement
• Buddhism teaching involved meditation and quiet teachings
• the applicant would be happy to sound proof the ‘party wall’ with No.57 Union Road
• there was adequate on road parking
• Union Road was a busy road and this proposal would generate a minimal amount of additional traffic
• could put a condition on to restrict the permission to the applicant only.

Councillor Cole clarified that the majority of the visitors to the centre would live within the city boundaries and would be encouraged to use public transport, cycle or walk. This property was on a main bus route.

Ms Parsons (applicant) spoke in support of the application. She raised the following points:-

• was the Administration Director for the Pure Land Buddhist Centre
• the centre was well established; there were fifty similar centres throughout the country
• the centre was a peaceful and quiet place where residents live together with a teacher
• some residents worked whilst others would be in education
• there was more than adequate on street parking in the vicinity
• tenancy agreements would prevent the use of alcohol, loud and amplified music
• would live in harmony with the neighbours.

In answer to Members’ questions, Ms Parsons clarified that:-

• the classes would take the form of meditation, teaching and discussions
• the Pure Land Buddhist Centre wanted to purchase the property subject to planning permission
• the bedrooms were not bedsits and the residents would use the communal kitchen and eat communal meals
• currently operated from 16 Raleigh Road, St Leonards with six bedrooms and seven residents and had never had any problems or complaints
• some residents stayed for years whilst others only a few months
• all potential residents were interviewed
• although there were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25