Proposed refurbishment & extension to existing 2 storey office.     

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

The Lead Development Manager gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr S Kerry, Clerk to Hereford City Council spoke in opposition to the Scheme.  Mr J Bothamley of Hereford Civic Society also spoke in objection. 

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor PA Andrews, spoke on the application.

She noted that resources were not available to allow consideration to be given to proposals in the Edgar Street Grid Master Plan.   The proposed colour of the cladding was intended to fit in with the brickwork of surrounding properties.  The proposal was not perfect but was an improvement.  It did not preclude a better development in the future.

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

·        There was a consensus that the current building was poor.

·        Some members considered that the Council had a responsibility to set an example and produce a better scheme for a building in such a prominent location, opposite a scheduled monument, in the conservation area, of which the City could be proud.  Regard should be also had to the aspirations for the area set out in the Edgar Street Grid Masterplan.

·        Others considered that the scheme was an improvement, albeit from a very low baseline, and represented a satisfactory option in the circumstances, meeting an identified accommodation need and improving the existing poor working conditions and appearnce.

·        It was requested that further consideration should be given to the colour of the proposed cladding and other matters relating to appearance, such as the materials used, to seek to improve the proposal.

The Lead Development Manager commented that as the report stated the proposal was an interim position and did represent an enhancement.  The development of the Hereford Area Plan would provide an opportunity to explore future options.  He advised that the colouring of the proposed cladding would be reviewed as required by condition.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  She agreed that the current building was dreadful.  The proposal represented an improvement on a short term basis.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other conditions considered necessary by Officers:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         C08 Amended plans

3.         C13 Samples of external materials and windows

4.         No development shall commence until a Construction Management Plan (CMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The plan shall include the following details:

•           Wheel cleaning apparatus which shall be operated and maintained during construction of the development hereby approved.

•           Parking for site operatives and visitors which shall be retained and kept available during construction of the development.

•           A noise management plan including a scheme for the monitoring of construction noise.

•           Details of working hours and hours for deliveries

•           A scheme for the control of dust arising from building and site works

•           A scheme for the management of all waste arising from the site

•           A travel plan for employees

            The agreed details of the CMP shall be implemented throughout the construction period.

            Reason: In the interests of the residential amenity of properties within the locality and of highway safety in accordance with Policies SD1 and MT1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework. 

5.         CB2

6.         CAZ

7.         If during the course of the development unexpected contamination not previously identified is found to be present at the site then the work shall be stopped and no further development shall be carried out unless or until the developer has submitted a written method statement to be approved in writing by the local planning authority. The method statement shall include details about how the unexpected contamination shall be dealt with. Thereafter the development of the site will be carried out in accordance with the appropriate method statement.

            Reason:  To ensure that potential contamination is removed or contained to the satisfaction of the local planning authority and to comply with Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy.

INFORMATIVES:

1.         The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any 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.         I05

3.         I45