Proposed additional three storey bedroom wing.

Proposed additional three storey bedroom wing.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Schoffer spoke on behalf of Belmont Rural Parish Council.

Councillor PJ Edwards, a Local Ward Member, welcomed the proposal but, to mitigate the impact of the development on the area, suggested that mature trees be required in the landscaping scheme.  Councillors H Davies and GA Powell, the other Local Ward Members, endorsed these comments.

The Senior Planning Officer said that it was envisaged that at least standard or semi-mature trees would be planted. 

In response to questions, the Senior Planning Officer advised that construction currently underway at the site related to extensions to the existing function suite and restaurant, previously approved under planning application DCCW2008/0232/F.

Councillor WJ Walling asked for clarification about Hereford City Council's recommendation that the 'application be refused due to poor design'.  Councillor PA Andrews advised that the City Council considered that the design was unimaginative given that it was the paramount hotel complex in South Wye.

In response to questions, the Senior Planning Officer noted that the proposed development would alter the outlook of the surrounding residential properties but, given the separation distances and proposed landscaping, it was not considered that it would be so harmful that refusal was warranted in this instance.  He added that the transient nature of hotel guests meant that there would not be the same level of overlooking as might be experienced with a residential apartment block. 

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions

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

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

2.       C02 (Matching external materials (extension)).

          Reason: To ensure the external materials harmonise with the existing building so as to ensure that the development complies with the requirements of Policy DR1 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

3.       G02 (Retention of trees and hedgerows).

       Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the area and to ensure that the development conforms with Policy DR1 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

4.      G10 (Landscaping scheme).

       Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenities of the area and to conform with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

5.      G11 (Landscaping scheme – implementation).

         Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenities of the area and to comply with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

6.      G15 (Landscape maintenance arrangements).

         Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenities of the area and to conform with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

7.      H13 (Access, turning area and parking).

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to ensure the free flow of traffic using the adjoining highway and to conform with the requirements of Policy T11 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

8.      I16 (Restriction of hours during construction).

         Reason: To protect the amenity of local residents and to comply with Policy DR13 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

9.      I33 (External lighting).

         Reason: To safeguard the character and amenities of the area and to comply with Policy DR14 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

10.    I37 (Details of shields to prevent light pollution).

         Reason: To minimise light overspill and to protect the amenity of neighbouring properties so as to comply with Policy DR14 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

11.    L01 (Foul/surface water drainage).

         Reason: To protect the integrity of the public sewerage system and to comply with Policy CF2 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

12.    L02 (No surface water to connect to public system).

         Reason: To prevent hydraulic overloading of the public sewerage system, to protect the health and safety of existing residents and ensure no detriment to the environment so as to comply with Policy CF2 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

Informatives:

1.      N01 - Access for all.

2.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans.

3.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.

[Note:  In accordance with the Council’s Constitution SO 5.10.2, Councillor PA Andrews wished it to be recorded that she abstained from voting on the resolution above.]