Plans for bar get go ahead (From Gazette Series)

Plans for bar get go ahead

A FORMER Dursley bar looks set to be turned into a mixture of homes and retail units after councillors gave a planning application the green light.

The Warehouse, based on the corner of Parsonage Street and May Lane, was shut by owner Terry Cole in June.

At Tuesday's meeting of Stroud District Council's development control committee, members gave a change of use planning application the go ahead.

The proposal includes the demolition of part of the Warehouse building to make way for ten homes and three flats. The part of the building which fronts onto Parsonage Street will remain unchanged and will be used for retail outlets with storage above.

Council planning staff had recommended the proposal for refusal because the site lies within an archaeologically sensitive area and a field evaluation had not been submitted. But within the last week the report was submitted and councillors were asked to consider approving the plan, much to the dismay of some members who wanted a new report to be prepared.

Cllr Ken Stephens (Eastington and Standish, Labour) said: "I would have liked to seen a new report."

But Cllr Janet Wood (Coaley and Uley, Independent) said: "I think it is quite a good scheme. I think it is nice and it fits into the area. I think it will be an improvement. There were problems in the evening with the existing nightclub and we won't have those any more."

Cllr Wood's one concern was there would be lack of recreational facilities in the town. But as part of the application Mr Cole said he was willing to contribute towards the cost of off-site play areas.

Stroud District Council has confirmed that they have also received an application for an extension of the Warehouse opening hours under the Government's new licensing regulations.

Council spokesman Dave Marshall told the Gazette: "There is an application in, which will be heard on September 20. He is asking for additional hours of operation."