Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing building and erection of part two/part three storey building comprising of 1 x 3 bed, 3 x 2, 4 x 1 bed flats, 4 x B1 units at ground floor with eight car parking spaces.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.                                       

The Committee was informed that a previous planning application had been refused in 2006 for a 4 storey building.  The current application submitted was for a 3 storey building with a total of 8 flats.

The application site was located to the rear of the High Road in the Bruce Castle Conservation Area.  The current site was a three storey partially vacant building that was on a short lease for light industrial and commercial uses.   The surrounding area was mixed, with a range of building types which ranged in height.  The site backed on to a railway line from Bruce Grove Station to Liverpool Street.

The principle of mixed use development at the site wa considered acceptable.  The building would reflect the scale and materials of the adjacent locally listed building at Morrison’s Yard.  The unit and room sizes were consistent with the floow minima and the proposed amenity space was considered suitable for this type of development in the form of terraces or roof terraces.  The scheme provided an appropriate mix of dwelling types that would meet the housing need for private housing and affordable housing.

The use and opening up of the cul-de-sac at Kenmare Drive seemed to provide the best means of access and was a natural continuation of Kenmare Drive.  Residents living in the adjacent residential block would not be adversely affected.  The applicant had provided 8 car parking spaces which would include 1 disabled space and 18 cycle racks.

The Committee was further advised that the drawings appended had recently been amended.  The gap betweeen the proposed B1 unit and the old barn had been increased and changes to the front elevation in terms of the brick and arches.

In response to a question raised the officer replied that the industrial units  had been light industry/offices and that there was no information in relation to the number of employees previously employed at the site.  The potential number of employees that could be employed within the proposed scheme could total 20.

Cllr Bevan addressed the Committee and raised concerns regarding the statement that the housing service had been consulted in respect of the application. Upon making enquiries the housing service had confirmed they had not been consulted in relation to the application.  Further concerns was raised in relation to the loss of employment, access to the site, amenity space and fear of crime which were detailed in the crime prevention officer’s report attached and which were all reasons to reject the scheme.

The applicant addressed the Committee and responded to the following issues raised:

• The crime prevention officer had submitted comments on the basis of looking at the plans and not visiting the site, particularly in relation to the removal of the wall.  It was proposed that additional lighting was a deterent for crime.
• The 2 storey element and the concerns of the under croft parking could lead to a place for vandalism and arson.  The fire officer had no representation to make in relation to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 434