Issue - meetings

It was anticipated that the planning application for the proposed development would be submitted for determination by Planning Committee in September.

·         In response to Member concern regarding the retention of health services on the site, representatives from the Trust confirmed that all existing NHS services would be retained and, by virtue of the redevelopment of the site, accommodated within new purpose built buildings with improved facilities. This included healthcare services provided by third parties such as the Moorfield eye service onsite etc.

·         Members sought an update on the progress of discussions to determine the proposed affordable housing provision onsite. It was advised that the Trust were currently in the process of updating the building costs for the new inpatient building which would feed into the viability assessments used to determine affordable housing levels. The Trust’s objective would be to achieve a balance between releasing funding for the new mental health service buildings and other costs as well as affordable housing. Confirmation was provided that the figures would be available in advance of the Planning Committee meeting determining the application and would be subject to independent audit by the Council.

·         Concerns were expressed over the consequences of dividing the site into development parcels, potentially in the hands of separate developers thereby risking a disjointed approach with a lack of overall co-ordination. The applicant identified that any outline permission granted and reserved matters determinations would allow the Council to ensure the cohesion of the redevelopment of the site.

·         The applicant confirmed that the intention would be to pepperpot affordable housing units across the site and divide the allocation of parking between private sale and affordable housing units.

·         In response to questions it was advised that initial design plans proposed a mix of integrated and exposed balconies. At this stage it was not proposed that cladding or render would be used as part of the design for the housing units.