Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing two storey building and redevelopment of site to provide a six storey block comprising of 2no. commercial units (Use Class A2/A3/B1)) to the ground floor and 9no. self-contained flats (Use Class C3) to the upper levels (amended description)

RECOMMENDATION: grant permission subject to conditions.

The Committee considered a report on the application to grant planning permission for the demolition of the existing two storey building and redevelopment of site to provide a six storey block comprising of 2x commercial units (Use Class A2/A3/B1)) to the ground floor and 9x self-contained flats (Use Class C3) to the upper levels. The report set out details of the proposal, the site and surroundings, planning history, relevant planning policy, consultation and responses, analysis, equalities and human rights implications and recommended to grant permission subject to conditions.

The planning officer gave a short presentation highlighting the key aspects of the report. A correction was made to an error contained within the report to paragraph 2(2) which should read ‘…to be completed January 2015 or within such time…..’

The Committee’s attention was again drawn to a tabled addendum setting out details of the recent ministerial statement regarding changes to national policy for s106 planning obligations for small scale developments and which constituted a material consideration to which the Committee would need to have regard in determining the application. The Chair sought clarification on the applicant’s intention regarding the s106 contribution in light of the ministerial statement. The applicant’s agent confirmed that no instruction had been received from the applicant directing any amendment to the figure set out within the report.

The Committee raised the following points in the discussion of the application:

·         Concerns were raised over the level of redevelopment in the immediate area. Officers advised that the building proposed was lower than the adjacent building and had a stepped down design. The density of the development was also towards the lower end of density guidelines.

·         In response to concerns regarding the management of deliveries of construction materials to the site due to its location, assurances were provided that submission and approval of a Construction Management Plan and Construction Logistics Plan would be secured under condition.

·         Clarification was sought on the Housing Enabling Team’s objections to the affordable housing contribution and housing mix of the scheme. Officers advised that the Planning Service did not support their view as the affordable housing contribution was policy compliance based on the submission of a viability assessment. A preferred housing mix was difficult to achieve due to the small number of units in the scheme.

·         Members queried whether a buy to let restriction could be imposed on the development. Officers advised that this would not be feasible.  

·         Members requested that the Committee be given the opportunity to view the proposed materials for the scheme. Officers agreed to notify the Committee when the samples were available for viewing although it was advised that this would be outside of the meeting schedule to avoid delaying construction.

·         Following a request from Members, officers agreed to amend condition 3 to require samples of internal, lattice style shutters to be submitted for approval by the Council.

·         In response to concerns regarding waste management arrangements for the site, confirmation was provided that approval was required of plans for refuse  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5