Issue - meetings

The planning application was for construction of an office building and associated external works at Herlington House, Benyon Grove. The application also included alterations to windows and doors at Herlington House and associated external works (relating to the change of use to flats). The application had been deferred by the Committee at its meeting on 18 November 2014 in order to hear additional information on access for coaches and emergency vehicles, the suitability of the bus lane for coach access, and any alternative access.

The main considerations were:

·         Principal of development

·         Site History

·         Access and Parking

·         Design

·         Impact on nearby residents

·         Security

·         Bin Store

·         Sustainability

·         Section 106

It was officer’s recommendation that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Head of Development and Construction provided an overview of the application and raised the following key points:

·         Tracking of a 12 metre coach within the site, as it currently was, had been undertaken and showed that the overhang of the bus would enter third party land.

·         The site was not currently designed for coach access, and such use would not be recommended by the Council.

·         Emergency vehicles and refuse vehicles would be able to access the site.

·         The terms of the Traffic Regulation Order covering the bus stop lay-by meant that coaches could not legally stop there. The TRO could be modified, however, it would be unreasonable to expect the applicant to meet these costs.

·         If the TRO were to be modified, coaches could use the Benyon Grove stop. This was 60 metres from the church. As coach trips occurred four times a year, this was considered to be reasonable.

·         A number of standardised letters of support had been received as well as the notes from a meeting between the applicant and the church, at which meeting the church withdrew its objection to the application.

Bill Wilcock, resident, addressed the Committee in objection to the application and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         Mr Wilcock thanked the Committee for visiting the application site.

·         The car park was used by numerous communities and was often busy, especially at weekends.

It was clarified that the church and representatives had met with the applicant, and had subsequently withdrawn its objection.

Neil Armstrong, Applicant, addressed the Committee in support of the application and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         Mr Armstrong thanked the Committee for convening the meeting.

·         The applicant had met with the church and its representatives to look at the access to the site.

·         It was determined that it was not practical for a coach to access the site as it was presently as the route prior to reaching the car park was narrower than the car park itself.

·         It was agreed by the church and Ward Councillors that the application was satisfactory.

·         A previous employee of the applicant had sought local opinion on the proposals, and how the application would benefit the area,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5

Councillor Casey retired from the Committee.

The planning application was for construction of an office building and associated external works at Herlington House, Benyon Grove. The application also included alterations to windows and doors at Herlington House and associated external works (relating to the change of use to flats).

The main considerations were:

·         Principal of development

·         Site History

·         Access and Parking

·         Design

·         Impact on nearby residents

·         Security

·         Bin Store

·         Sustainability

·         Section 106

It was officer’s recommendation that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Head of Development and Construction provided an overview of the application and raised the following key points:

·         The existing building had planning permission for the change of use to residential flats. The current application sought permission for the physical changes in relation to this use.

·         Also included in the application was a proposal for a single storey office building within the existing car park, which included a pathway to the existing building.

·         The access to the car park would be narrowed, however would remain wide enough for two vehicles to park. The access was six metres on either side.

·         A bin store was proposed to service the office and flats.

·         High levels of representation had been received in objection to the application. These were namely in relation to the proposed access, which was shared with the church.

·         No objection had been received from Highways and the access width, storage and design of the proposal was considered satisfactory.

·         A letter had been received from the church advising that they would be contacting the application regarding their access rights.

Councillor North declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item, as he was acquainted with parishioners of the church next to the application site. He had not expressed an opinion on this application and did not consider himself to be pre-determined.

Councillor Casey, Ward Councillor, addressed the Committee and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         The principal of development was not objected to.

·         The proposal would improve the visual amenity of the area and was expected to aid in reducing the level of crime experience in the locality.

·         Many of the objections raised were non-material planning considerations.

·         The Councillor previous had concerns regarding the appropriateness of the proposals siting, however these had been addressed within the officer’s report.

·         It was considered that the development would have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the neighbours, i.e. the church.

·         It was perceived that larger vehicles would no longer be able to access the church, including coaches. It was asked whether Highways officers could confirm if coaches and collection vehicles could access the church and, if not, if the bus stop lay-by could be used for coaches.

·         The access for the coach needed to be addressed, whether this be access through the car park or a nearby drop off area.

·         There were regular coach trips from the church, which departed from the entrance.

Councillor Okonkowski, Ward Councillor, addressed the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5