Retrospective permission sought for flat to be used as massage therapy space - Express & Star

[mnews]

A business can already operate from the ground floor of the Bridgtown property, but following the enforcement notice served in June the new operator has applied for permission to change the use of the existing first-floor flat for massage therapy, associated with the existing ground floor use.

The retrospective application for the terraced property in North Street is set to be considered by Cannock Chase Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (March 5). It has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

A report to Wednesday’s committee meeting said: “The enforcement notice which was served on the site is subject to ongoing investigation and monitoring by Planning Enforcement in liaison with Staffordshire Police. This, however, is not a material planning consideration for the determination of this application and members are asked to consider the use proposed within the application and no other alleged use.

“There will be two members of staff and two customers onsite at any given time. The proposed opening times would be 10am – 10pm on any day.”

Cannock Chase District Council. Photo: LDRS

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “The development will be used solely for commercial purposes [and] will comprise of a change of use from dwellinghouse to provision of medical or health services. The building complements the surrounding environment – particularly the other retail units surrounding the site.”

There have been three objections from residents, for reasons including loss of a residential unit and impact on other businesses in the area. Bridgtown Parish Council has also raised concerns from residents about the proposals.

A letter from the parish clerk to the district council said: “Several businesses and residents on North Street have raised their concerns regarding the amount of men going into and out of the [property]. Concerns are regarding the volume of men frequenting the premises and the times of day these men are going in and out.

“It has been reported to myself as parish clerk that it is constant, from early as 7am until after 10pm at night. Residents are worried regarding who these men are and they didn’t like it being in a residential area where children have to pass by to attend school.

“One lady who lives in the street said she felt uncomfortable and wouldn’t walk out in the street at night. A shop owner stated that she wished it wasn’t there and it’s not nice for customers coming to her premises.”