Demolition of the former office buildings and the redevelopment of the site to provide a 70 bed care home (use class c2).

Officers were authorised to grant planning permission in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, with additional conditions.

(Demolition of the former office buildings and the redevelopment of the site to provide a 70 bed care home (use class c2).)

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these Minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr S Kerry, Clerk to Hereford City Council spoke expressing some opposition to the Scheme.  Mr I Holme, the applicant’s architect, spoke in support of the application.

The local ward member had indicated that they would not attend the meeting.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application the following principal points were made:

·        Several Members expressed disappointment that the proposal involved the demolition of Brockington House and questioned whether this was necessary.  The possibility of retaining at least the façade of the building was also raised.  It was, however, also acknowledged that a purpose built building had its advantages.

·        It was suggested that the existing building had been degraded as an asset.   It was set back from the road and, given the nature of the extensions to it the impact on the conservation area of the new development would if anything be a marginal benefit.

·        A concern was expressed that the local health care provider had not been consulted on the proposal.  In reply the Lead Development Manager drew attention to paragraph 4.5 of the report which stated that the proposal would be welcomed by the Council, and by Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group.  Several members commented on the benefit the scheme would provide.

·        Concern was also expressed as to whether the proposed parking provision would be sufficient taking account the number of both staff and residents.  There was a wish to avoid on-street parking.  The Lead Development Manager commented that under the council’s adopted standards the approved level of parking for such a proposal would normally be 17-18 spaces.  The proposal currently provided for 31 spaces and a further 3 spaces could be accommodated within the existing design.  Members supported this additional provision being secured.

·        The comments of the Conservation Manager (Trees) on the protection of trees on the site were welcomed.  The Principal Planning Officer commented that the protection of trees on the site had formed an important part of the discussions about the design of the proposal and condition 6 addressed this point.

·        In response to a question the Principal Planning Officer confirmed that it would be possible to include provision within the conditions for the reuse of materials from the house where this was considered appropriate.  Members supported such a condition.

RESOLVED:  That officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to officers be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report and an amendment to condition number 5 relating to parking provision and the reuse of materials from Brockington House where appropriate:

1.         A01 - Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         C08 - Amended plans

3.         C13 - Samples of external materials

4.         C26 - Details of window sections, eaves, verges and barge boards

5.         C48 - Archaeological survey and recording (as amended)

6.         C90 - Protection of trees/hedgerows that are to be retained

7.         C95 - Details of boundary treatments

8.         C96 - Landscaping scheme

9.         C97 - Landscaping scheme - implementation

10.       CAB - Visibility splays

11.       CAE - Vehicular access construction

12.       CAL - Access turning area and parking

13.       CAZ - Parking for site operatives

14.       CB2 - Cycle parking

15.       CB3 - Travel Plan

16.       CBK - Restriction on hours during construction

17.       CCK - Details of slab levels

18.       CD6 - Comprehensive and integrated draining of site

19.       CE6 - Efficient use of water

INFORMATIVES:

1.         Statement of positive and proactive working 

2.         I05 - No drainage to discharge to highway

3.         I08 - Section 278 Agreement

4.         I09 - Private apparatus within highway