Redevelopment of learning resource block with a new workshop building and seminar block with associated landscaping and car parking.

Redevelopment of learning resource block with a new workshop building and seminar block with associated landscaping and car parking.

The Principal Planning Officer reported the following updates:

w        The concerns of the Traffic Manager had been addressed and conditions were recommended in respect of cycle stands and off-site pedestrian crossing and traffic light works.

w        The concerns of Sport England had not been overcome but additional information provided by the applicant was being considered.

w        Following further negotiations, a cheque had been received from the applicant on the day of the meeting in respect of the outstanding financial contribution to enable the residents only parking scheme in the locality to be implemented.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Younger spoke in support of the application on behalf of the applicant.

Councillor Mrs. M.D. Lloyd-Hayes felt that the delivery of the residents only parking scheme was essential given the acute parking problems in the area and felt that a right hand turning lane should be provided at the Folly Lane traffic lights given the congestion at this junction.  In response, the Principal Planning Officer clarified matters relating to the Section 106 Agreement and the outline planning application determined in April, 2004 [CE2004/0475/O refers].  The Principal Planning Officer also advised that highway works associated with this application would include the re-timing of traffic lights and that further works may be required as part of later phases in the development of the campus.

In response to a question, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the construction work would be undertaken in phases, some if it outside of term-time, and drew attention to recommended condition 8 which intended to minimise disruption to the educational use. 

In response to a question, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the re-development proposal would not increase student capacity and, therefore, it was anticipated that the additional 200 parking spaces for the 3 colleges would ease the existing parking problems both within the site and in nearby residential areas.

A number of Members spoke in support of the application.

RESOLVED:

Subject to there being no objection from the Traffic Manager by the end of the consultation period and the County Secretary and Solicitor be authorised to complete a planning obligation or unilateral undertaking under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requiring the applicants to provide the outstanding financial contribution to enable the residents only parking scheme in the locality to be implemented, and that if deemed necessary:

(i)      the application is notified to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

(ii)     subject to the Deputy Prime Minster confirming that he does not intend to call it in, planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any further conditions considered necessary by Officers:

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       G04 (Landscaping scheme (general))

         Reason: In order to protect the visual amenities of the area.

3       G05 (Implementation of landscaping scheme (general))

         Reason: In order to protect the visual amenities of the area.

4       Prior to occupation of any part of the development hereby approved, a Green Travel Plan shall be submitted to the local planning authority for approval in writing and implemented as approved.  The Green Travel Plan should also include details of all intended methods of managing the staff/student car parks and shall be made available for inspection by the local planning authority upon reasonable request so as to enable monitoring of the Plan to be routinely carried out.

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to ensure a sustainable form of development.

5       A08 (Development in accordance with approved plans and materials) (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority)

         Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans and to protect the general character and amenities of the area.

6       H17 (Junction improvement/off site works) (Whittern Way junction)

         Reason: To ensure the safe and free flow of traffic on the highway.

7       H27 (Parking for site operatives)

         Reason: To prevent indiscriminate parking in the interests of highway safety.

8       Prior to the commencement of the development, details of the phasing of the development shall be submitted to an approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall be completed in accordance with the agreed phasing.

         Reason: To ensure the development is carried out  with minimal disruption to the educational use of the existing site or adverse impact on highway safety.

Informative:

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