Decision details

The Committee received a developer presentation from Rebecca Taylor of JTP Architects and additional responses from Lia Silva of Wates Residential.

The proposal is to demolish the existing buildings and structures on the site and construct a residential development to provide for the specific needs of residents over the age of 55 currently proposed to comprise the following:

• 5  blocks of varying heights (between 3/4/5/6/8/10 storeys)
• 178 new homes proposed providing 26% affordable housing and 69% private housing.
• 91 car parking spaces, including dedicated cycle/scooter storage.
• Dedicated laybys for drop off and emergency vehicles
• All units would be oversized i.e. they would meet the larger minimum standards required for wheelchair units and would consist of 1 and 2 bed dwellings – designed to attract elderly ‘downsizers’.
• Biodiversity enhancements through new planting

·        Community space to facilitate interaction among residents

The main issues raised by Members for further consideration prior to the submission of a planning application were:

·        Security of mobility scooters and whether they could  fit into the lift

·        Charging points for scooters.  Who funded that?

·        Assurance was needed about the security of the site and how the scheme would meet Designing out Crime advice.

·        Manoeuvrability of the site for Dial-a-Ride.

·        Opportunity to improve the public transport connectivity into the site.  Important to explore given level of car parking provision.

·        Bus lay-by opportunity.  A joint effort was needed for public transport investments.

·        Need to understand in more detail the relationship to Uphavering House.

·        Detail sought regarding the management of the site during construction (both building activity and traffic associated).

·        Need to include details of the Parking Management Strategy.

·        Can large vehicles use the road easily enough as it was a narrow road?

·        Environmental credential of the scheme.