Decision details

The report before Members considered an application for the conversion of the former Newstead House Residential Care Home into twenty-eight residential units. The proposal would also involve extensions to increase the height to the north elevation of the existing building. 

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements the Committee was addressed by an objector with a response by the applicant’s agent.

The objector commented that the proposal did not allow for sufficient parking for residents and visitors. The objector also commented about the noise nuisance during the construction and the effect on the amenity of existing neighbouring properties. The objector concluded that the proposal would lead to overlooking of existing properties and would also have an impact on the existing utility services.

In response the applicant’s agent commented that the building had been vacant since 2014 and that the proposal offered much needed residential accommodation in the area. The agent also commented that the number of units proposed was lower than the number of existing units and therefore parking provision had increased. The agent concluded by commenting that the construction phase would be conditioned to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties.

With its agreement Councillor Patricia Rumble addressed the Committee.

Councillor Rumble commented that there would be insufficient parking for the proposed number of units and that light and noise emissions would affect the amenity of existing neighbouring properties. Councillor Rumble also commented that the proposed units would have balconies that would lead to overlooking and a loss of amenity to existing residents.

During the debate Members discussed the size of the development and how it would sit within the existing streetscene.

Members also discussed the lack of provision of affordable housing contained within the scheme and clarified what potential measures there were to allow the applicant to reconsider the affordable housing provision.

The report recommended that planning permission be granted however following a motion to refuse the granting of planning permission which was carried by 9 votes to 2. It was RESOLVED that planning permission be refused on the following grounds:

1.         Overdevelopment of the site of excessive density and inadequate amenity space providing poor quality accommodation for future residents.

2.         Absence of a legal agreement to secure an education contribution.

The vote for the resolution to refuse the granting of planning permission was carried by 9 votes to 2.

Councillors Misir and Best voted against the resolution to refuse the granting of planning permission.