The proposed redevelopment of land and buildings at Bastion Mews to create a mixed-use independent quarter comprising new commercial floorspace and visitor accommodation, associated demolition, use of external areas as events space and associated works of alteration to No.18 Union Street to enable a second means of access/egress.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Jeremy Milln left the committee to act as the local ward member for the next application.)

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda as provided in the update sheets and appended to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Jay Manning, the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local Ward member spoke on the application. In summary he commented that issues with the application were unusual in terms of the form and material of the development and its location in a sensitive Hereford environment. It was questioned whether the application complied with core strategy policy SS6 to conserve and enhance the existing environment and policy LD1 to positively influence the townscape. A consideration of the acceptability of the impact of the development on the historical environment and heritage asset was required. It was noted that the historic buildings officer had objected to the scheme due to the impact of the shipping containers on heritage assets and the materials used which were deemed to be incongruous.

The committee discussed the application.

The local Ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. He explained that the proposal was not unique, two more sites utilised shipping containers within the mediaeval city walls. It was noted that the use of shipping containers would minimise ground disturbance and damage to potential archaeological sites.

A motion that the application be approved was moved and was carried unanimously.

Resolved -That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.     The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.     The development to the fire damaged area of No.3 Bastion Mews and to No.18 Union Street shall be carried out strictly in accordance with drawing numbers 1694 601 Rev B and 1694 402 Rev C except where otherwise agreed in writing stipulated by conditions attached to this permission.

Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interest of a satisfactory form of development and to comply with Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

3.     The siting, layout, scale and external finishes of the of the containers shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and the schdeule of materials herein (drawing nos. 1694 308 E, 1694 309 A and 1694 313) unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: To ensure adherance to the approved plans and to protect the character, apperance and amenities of the area in accordance with the requirements of Policies SD1 and LD4 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the advice contained within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43