Demolition of office extension and erection of 8 no. one-bedroom flats and 5 no. two-bedroom flats.

Demolition of office extension and erection of 8 no. one-bedroom flats and 5 no. two-bedroom flats.

The Principal Planning Officer reported that the archaeological evaluation was in hand and that amended plans had been provided which identified cycle storage, although discussions regarding a wall were ongoing.  It was also reported that an application for Conservation Area consent had now been submitted and information had been received to confirm that the occupants of the existing building on the site could be relocated within Berrows House.  The Principal Planning Officer noted issues with regard to the residents’ parking scheme and commented that residents may not be eligible for residents’ parking permits.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Jamieson had registered to speak in support of the application but decided not to do so at the meeting.

Councillor D.B. Wilcox acknowledged the original nature of the design but felt that the lack of parking was not satisfactory.  He felt it unrealistic to expect occupiers, and visitors, not to have cars and that the application should be refused unless some element of off-street parking was provided.

Councillor Ms. A.M. Toon questioned whether parking could be provided under the building.  In response, the Development Control Manager commented that the design could be seriously compromised if parking was required.  Furthermore, underground parking would not be acceptable in archaeological terms.  It was noted that officers considered the design to be exceptional, hence the strong recommendation in favour of approval.

The quality of the design was commented on by a number of Members, the majority of whom felt that it was innovative and would fit in well with the historic and modern buildings in the vicinity.  On balance, it was felt that the lack of parking was acceptable given the proximity of public transport links and the fact that the proposal represented an imaginative use of a constrained site.

In response to a suggestion by Councillor Mrs. E.A. Taylor, the Principal Lawyer (Planning, Environment and Transport) advised that a recent circular set out the conditions for a Section 106 Agreement.

The Chairman, speaking in his capacity as Local Ward Member, thanked Members for the useful discussion.  He noted that the planning system was limited in what it could do regarding access to residents’ parking permits but hoped that potential occupiers took on board the car free nature of the development.  He supported the design approach and welcomed the developer contributions that had been identified.

RESOLVED:

1)            Subject to the applicants providing an appropriate archaeological evaluation and the County Archaeologist raising no objection following receipt and assessment of this evaluation by 1 March 2006;

2)            Subject to receipt of satisfactory amended plans identifying revision to the boundary treatment and the provision of secure cycle storage by 1st March 2006; and

3)            Subject to the applicant providing a suitably completed and signed Unilateral Undertaking under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 March 2006 in accordance with the Heads of Terms set out in the Appendix to the report, and any additional matters considered appropriate and necessary by the Local Planning Authority:

The officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers be authorised to issue planning permission 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.         A06 (Development in accordance with approved plans).

            Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development.

3.         B01 (Samples of external materials) (add: ‘… to include details of the glazing and balcony enclosures).

            Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings.

4.         G04 (Landscaping scheme (general)).

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

5.         G05 (Implementation of landscaping scheme (general)).

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

6.         E01 (Restriction on hours of working).

            Reason: To safeguard the amenities of the locality.

7.         Any conditions deemed necessary by the County Archaeologist.

8.         W01 (Foul/surface water drainage).

            Reason: To protect the integrity of the public sewerage system.

9.         W02 (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.

10.       W03 (No drainage run-off to public system).

            Reason: To prevent hydraulic overload of the public sewerage system and pollution of the environment.

Informative:

1.         N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of Planning Permission.