Former Munitions Depot, Lawn Lane, Coven, WV9 5BA

Class R – Development consisting of a change of use of buildings to a flexible use falling within Class B8 (storage and distribution) of the Schedule to the Use Classes Order

Authority: South Staffordshire District Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: employment-industrial · Change of use
Inspector: Watson S

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the raised concrete pads constitute 'buildings' for the purposes of Class R
If so, whether the proposed development would require prior approval for transport and highways impacts, noise impacts, contamination risks, and flooding risks

What decided it

The concrete pads, being permanent structures that once formed parts of buildings within an established agricultural unit, qualify as 'buildings' under Article 2(1) of the GPDO and thus benefit from Class R permitted development rights, and all prior approval matters can be satisfactorily addressed.

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
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- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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