Application Number: 19/P4048      Ward: Cricket Green

Officer Recommendations: GRANT Permission subject to the completion of any enabling agreement and conditions

RESOLVED that Application 19/P4048 be GRANTED Planning Permission subject to the completion of any enabling agreement and conditions.

Proposal: Redevelopment of existing car park to allow for the erection of a part five, part six storey development comprising 36 self-contained units (29x 1b and 7x 2b); with associated cycle parking, refuse store, 3x disabled parking bays and landscaping.

The Committee noted the report and presentation of the Planning officer, and the modifications contained in the supplementary agenda. 

Two objectors had registered to speak in objection and at the invitation of the Chair, made the following points:

·         The need for development on this site and the provision of housing was accepted, however the proposed development did not include any affordable housing.  The design was poor and the site would represent overdevelopment.  There would be a loss of light to the residents of Glebe Court, harm to the conservation area and contrary to Council policy.

The applicant’s agents spoke in support of the application and addressed the objections.  The site was designated for residential and it was not felt that a commercial use would be viable.  The affordable housing provided on the other sites allowed this site to be developed for private rent in a busy town centre location.  It was considered that the degree of loss of light was acceptable in a town centre setting.  The design had been developed in consultation with planning officers and was considered to be sensitive.

The Development Control Team Leader (South) responded to the points raised by the objectors and advised that the officer report addressed the light to Glebe Court.  The proposal did not deliver affordable housing but did diversify the Borough’s housing stock and the overall package of affordable housing across the sites should be kept in mind.

At the invitation of the Chair, the Senior Democratic Services Officer read out a written statement on behalf of Councillor Owen Pritchard on behalf of the ward.  While sympathetic to the concerns of residents, he felt that the positives outweighed the negatives and was in support.  Part of his statement was given to a statement of the Glebe Court residents association which set out concerns relating to loss of light, density, height and overdevelopment.

In response to Members’ questions, the Development Control Team Leader (South) advised as follows:

·         The original pitched roofs on the site had been amended on the advice of planning officers to reduce the height and it was felt that the design of the flat roof was acceptable.

·         Designers had created layouts with internal bathrooms to ensure that the most used habitable rooms had the most light.

In response to a Member question, the Transport Planning officer advised that the area had a PTAL rating of 4 due to it being a sustainable location.  The multi-storey car park could offer alternative parking provision.

Members made the comments:

·         Residents in London Road used to have spaces until the CPZ was introduced so used the car park at Raleigh Gardens.  Something should be done to improve St Marks multi storey car park as it was not currently fit for purpose.  The residents’ concerns were acknowledged however agreed with the comments made by Councillor Pritchard and the proposal should be supported.

·         The Committee had received the views of all three ward members, and it was recognised that there are issues but all were in support and the application should be supported.

·         The multi-storey car park was well used over the Christmas period. 

·         There was concern that the proposal did not make the contribution to the public realm that should be hoped for and it did appear to be overdevelopment.  There had been much justification for elements that Members were not happy with.  Members were in a difficult position as the Borough needed the affordable housing.

·         Reassurance was sought that the multi-storey car park would be made secure.

·         The proposal was not reasonable for the residents of Glebe Road and should be looked at again.

At the conclusion of the debate, the Chair moved to the vote and it was

RESOLVED that Application 19/P4048 be GRANTED Planning Permission subject to the completion of any enabling agreement and conditions.