Unit B1, Stafford Park 15, Stafford Park, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BB

 

Proposed Development: Change of Use from Dance Studio (Use Class D2) to Place of Worship (Use Class D1).

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Application Ref: TWC/2018/0352

 

Application Type: Full Planning
Date Valid: 23/04/2018
Location: Unit B1, Stafford Park 15, Stafford Park, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BB
Proposal: Change of use from dance studio (Use class D2) to place of worship (Use class D1)
Decision: Full Granted
Decision Date: 11/06/2018

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EN-PLAN were employed as the Planning and Architectural Consultants on a Change of Use Planning Application to allow for the Telford Christian Fellowship to expand its community outreach programme and allow for a new place of worship.  The church was started in 1994 as a plant from an evangelical church in Bridgnorth. The church moved venue to a larger meeting room in the Phoenix School, Dawley, Telford. By the end of 1997, over 50 adults attended the Sunday meetings and the church became a registered charity no. 1067780.  In June 1999, David Simpkins took the overall lead role at the request of the leadership. David, with his wife, Maureen was sent and supported by Barnabas Community Church (a local Newfrontiers church) who had been giving support to the leadership of TCF.

 

After an initial site meeting and site and planning appraisal which included an appraisal of the below site planning history En-Plan commenced work on this important community project.

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The History of Telford

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Telford is a town in Shropshire, England. It was named after the civil engineer Thomas Telford, who played a significant role in the development of the town. Here's an overview of the history of Telford:

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1. Early History: The area that is now Telford has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The Romans also had a presence in the area, as evidenced by the remains of a Roman road, Watling Street, passing nearby.

2. Industrial Revolution: Telford's transformation into an industrial town began in the 18th century. Ironworks, coal mining, and limestone quarrying were established in the area, taking advantage of the region's natural resources. The Industrial Revolution brought rapid industrialization and population growth to the area.

3. New Town Development: In the mid-20th century, the British government identified the need for new towns to alleviate overcrowding in urban areas and stimulate regional development. As a result, Telford Development Corporation was formed in 1963, with the goal of creating a new town in Shropshire.

4. Planning and Construction: Telford was designed as a modern town with a focus on industry, commerce, and residential areas. The development involved the merger of several existing settlements, including Dawley, Oakengates, Wellington, Madeley, and Ironbridge. Construction began in the 1960s, and the town's infrastructure, housing estates, shopping centers, and industrial parks were developed over the following decades.

5. Named after Thomas Telford: The town was named after Thomas Telford (1757-1834), a renowned civil engineer and architect of the time. Telford played a crucial role in the construction of the Shropshire Canal and the road network in the area, including the Holyhead Road, which connected London to Holyhead in Wales.

6. Growth and Development: Telford's population grew rapidly as people migrated to the area for employment opportunities. The town attracted industries such as automotive manufacturing, technology, and distribution centers. It also became a center for retail and leisure, with the development of shopping centers, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions.

 

Today, Telford is a thriving town with a diverse economy and a population of over 170,000 people. It is known for its modern infrastructure, attractive green spaces, and historical sites such as the Iron Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its residents and businesses while preserving its heritage and natural beauty.

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Relevant Planning History

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TWC/2018/0352Unit B1, Stafford Park 15, Stafford Park, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BBChange of use from dance studio (Use class D2) to place of worship (Use class D1)Full Granted11/06/2018

W97/0584Unit B1, Stafford Park 15, Stafford Park, Telford, Shropshire.Change Of Use To Dance StudioFull Granted11/09/1997

TWC/2012/0090Units A8 - A10, B2 - B5, C1 - C8, D1 - D3, E1 - E6 & F1 - F5, Stafford Park 15, Stafford Park, Telford, ShropshireRetention of use classes B1, B2, B8 to units on Stafford Park 15Full Granted23/03/201

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The Planning Application

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After formulating the planning application and submitting to Telford & Wrekin Council for consideration the only sticking point to approval was the parking issue as the Highways Engineer was concerned about the parking provision in the locality especially given the surrounding commercial uses. 

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EN-PLAN provided a detailed parking layout that utilised the spare storage area located to the rear of the unit and worked with the Council to formulate planning conditions as well as highlighting the work of the Church and how this was not going to lead to a conflict with the adjacent commercial uses.  Following this dialogue EN-PLAN secured planning permission and are pleased to be able to facilitate the ongoing community work of the Telford Christian Fellowship.

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The Council were also conmcerned over the perceived loss of commercial floorspace in the Halesfield area whihc is the commercial centre of Telford.  However En-Plan were able to do a detailed analysis of the existing vacant commercila floorspace in the area to demonstrate that the chnage of use would not interfere with the commercial vitality and viability of Telford.

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Following the negotiations over parking and loss of commercial floorspace Telford & Wrekin Council granted planning permission as they were now happy tta gthere would be no impact in terms of highways and access.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

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EN-PLAN can help you by offering planning advice of the highest quality, informed by many years operating in the deepest and most specialist areas of planning law. This can mean that we help clients avoid common pitfalls, or equally it can mean that we help clients deal with the consequences of finding themselves on the wrong side of their local authority.

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In all cases, EN-PLAN offer a sophisticated and intelligent planning service that includes covering all of the planning issues surrounding change of use and certificates of lawful development. Let us know what your situation is, and we will tell you if we are able to guide you.

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Please call us on 07931 541 804 froa free no obligation consultation.