Change of use from laboratory facility to studios/classroom for educational purposes.

Change of use from laboratory facility to studios/classroom for educational purposes.

The Central Divisional Planning Officer reported the receipt of correspondence from the applicant indicating that a three-year temporary permission would be acceptable.  It was also reported that the Transportation Unit had commented that, subject to the contribution of £15,000 to a residents’ parking scheme, there was no objection to a temporary planning permission.

Councillor R.M. Wilson, speaking in his capacity as Cabinet Member (Highways and Transportation), noted that the proposal would enable the residents’ parking scheme in that area to be speeded up.  He felt that weight should be given to the comments of the Transportation Unit and to the support expressed by the Economic Development Section.  In accordance with section 31 (Cabinet Members) of the Code of Conduct for Members and Officers Dealing with Planning Matters, Councillor R.M. Wilson then withdrew from the meeting for the remainder of this item.

Councillor Mrs. P.A. Andrews, a Local Ward Member, expressed strong concerns about the lack of cross-departmental co-operation and the fact that Local Ward Members were not informed of progress with proposals in their Ward.  She felt that, even with a residents’ parking scheme, the change of use would exacerbate existing parking problems.  However, given that the proposal intended to facilitate the re-development of the existing College site, Councillor Mrs. Andrews said that she reluctantly supported a temporary planning permission.  Councillor S.P.A. Daniels, another Local Ward Member, supported these views and also commented on the lack of consultation with Members.

A number of Members spoke in support of a temporary planning permission; a comment was made about the need for the building to revert to Class B use at the end of the three-year period. 

Some Members expressed concerns about congestion and parking problems in the area and the withdrawal of some bus services.

The Central Divisional Planning Officer advised that a Section 106 Agreement would be required to ensure that the contribution towards the residents’ parking scheme was secured.  He also advised that a condition would require a Green Transport Plan to be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to occupation.  The Local Ward Members felt that the residents’ parking scheme should cover both sides of Whitecross Road and noted that the problems were particularly acute in the St. Nicholas area.

RESOLVED:

That

(i)`          The Central Area Planning Sub-Committee is minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions listed below (and any further conditions felt to be necessary by the Head of Planning Services), provided that the Head of Planning Services does not refer the application to the Planning Committee:

1.This consent shall expire on (3 years from completion of Section 106 agreement).  Unless further consent is granted by the local planning authority prior to the end of that period, the use hereby approved shall permanently cease.

         Reason - To enable the local planning authority to give further consideration to the use after the temporary permission has expired.

2.  A Green Transport Plan containing measures to promote alternative modes of transport for staff and students using the Nelson Technical Centre including a schedule for its implementation shall be submitted to the local planning authority prior to the first occupation of the building.  A detailed written record shall be kept of measures taken to promote Green Transport Initiatives and shall be made available for inspection by the local planning authority upon request.

         Reason - To clarify the terms of this temporary permission and to ensure a range of sustainable transport alternatives are available and promoted for users of the building in accordance with sustainable development objectives.

(ii)          If the Head of Planning Services does not refer the application to the Planning Committee the Officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers be instructed to approve the application, subject to such conditions referred to above.

(Note: The Chief Development Control Officer advised that, having regard to the reasons put forward by Members, he would not refer the application to the Head of Planning Services.)