New archive & records centre for Herefordshire Council, including repositories, conservation rooms, staff offices, education spaces, search room and exhibition space to enable members of the public to view artefacts.

The application was approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

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.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor P Sinclair-Knipe, the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         Lower Bullingham Parish Council had raised no objections to the application.

·         Dinedor Parish Council had raised a number of concerns but these had now all been addressed.

·         The Modern Records Office currently housed 17500 boxes, 10000 volumes and 3000 maps.

·         The centre had to move to a new location, alternatively it could move outside of the County.

·         The relocation would act as a catalyst for the enterprise zone and demonstrate that the enterprise zone was not just aimed at weekday uses.

The Committee opened the debate by focusing on the sustainable nature of the development. The Committee noted that that the proposed building was built to ‘Passivhaus’ standards and was an exemplar of energy efficient, sustainable design which would create an excellent environment for users.

Some concern was expressed in respect of the proposed location of the building. A number of Members were of the opinion that it would be better located within the city centre thus making it more accessible to users. Concern was also expressed regarding the Council allowing the records office to relocate to the Rotherwas Enterprise Zone at a time when other businesses within the city had not been permitted to do so.

Councillor Sinclair-Knipe was given the opportunity to close the debate. He reiterated his opening remarks and made additional comments, including:

·         The Modern Records Office was for the whole County to use and would be more accessible than its current Harold Street location.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)      

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3.         L01 Foul/surface water drainage

4.         L02 No surface water to connect to public system

5.         L03 No drainage run-off to public system

6.         G11 Landscaping scheme – implementation

7.         The recommendations set out in the ecologist’s report dated May 2012 should be followed. Prior to commencement of the development, a full working method statement and habitat enhancement scheme should be submitted to and be approved in writing by the local planning authority, and the work shall be implemented as approved.

Reason:  To ensure that all species are protected having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and Policies NC1, NC6 and NC7 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

8.         M06 Finished floor levels

9.         H13 Access, turning area and parking

10.       H21 Wheel washing

11.       H27 Parking for site operatives

12.       H29 Secure covered cycle parking provision

13.       Prior to the first occupation of the development, a Flood Evacuation Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The plan shall include full details of proposed awareness training and procedure for evacuation of persons and property (including vehicles), training of staff; and method and procedures for timed evacuation. It shall also include a commitment to retain and update the plan and include a timescale for revision of the plan.

Reason:   To minimise danger to people in the flood risk area in accordance with Policy DR7 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan and guidance contained within the PPS 25 Practice Guide.

Reasons for Approval

1.         The application has been considered having regard to Unitary Development Plan policies S1, S2, DR1, DR2, DR3, DR4, DR7, DR10, E1, E5, E8, T6, T7, LA5, LA6, NC1, NC5 and CF5.  Guidance laid out in the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 has also been considered, alongside the Rotherwas Futures Drainage and Flood Management Strategy 2009. 

The local planning authority concludes that the proposed archive store complies with Unitary Development Plan Policies E1 and E5 in that the primary uses within the building fall within classes B1 and B8 of the Use Classes Order 2012 (As amended).  Weight has also been apportioned to the need for the facility and the site’s suitability when assessed against other potential sites.

The building is an exemplar of energy efficient design that has the potential to raise the standard of design locally in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework’s aspirations and Unitary Development Plan policies S1 and DR1.  Parking provision and accessibility is in accordance with Policy DR3 and the use would have no impact upon the amenity of neighbouring properties, including the former fireman’s quarters to the north-west.

INFORMATIVES:

1.         The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against adopted planning policy and other material considerations, including representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework. 

2.         N11C General