Agenda item

The report before Members proposed the demolition of an existing building and construction of a new mixed use building with retail use on the ground floor with a cycle store and two bin stores and six residential units on the upper floors.

The application followed the refusal by the committee in June 2014 of a similar proposal for the demolition of the building and the re-development of the site for mixed use. That application had proposed seven flats above retail use and was refused on the grounds that the development would appear dominant and visually intrusive in the streetscene that would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area. This application proposed a reduced height and some design changes.

Members noted that Councillor Linda Van den Hende called in the application on the grounds of concerns regarding the bulk and unsuitability in the street scene, parking for residents and for the shops.

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

The objector commented that there would be a substantial reduction in the amount of natural light received in the adjoining first floor offices and other premises. The objector also commented about the lack of parking provision and the over-development of the rear of the building.

In reply the applicant advised that the overall height of the building had been reduced by the removal of the top floor. The parking spaces provided would be for the residents of the development and the area also benefitted from excellent transport links.

With its agreement Councillor Linda Van den Hende addressed the Committee.

Councillor Van den Hende commented that the number of flats proposed had been reduced to six from seven and that the reduction in the height of the front elevation was in keeping with the streetscene and attractive. However, the over-development and bulk of the rear elevation facing on to Howard Road was overbearing and unsightly. Councillor Van den Hende also commented on the lack of parking provision and that the issue of loading/unloading of commercial vehicles servicing the retail unit had not been addressed. Councillor Van den Hende highlighted that items 7.7 and 7.8 of the report stated that whilst officers were recommending approval it was a balanced judgement as to whether the changes to the proposal were sufficient on balance to support approval.

During the debate members discussed the lack of parking provision and the overbearing nature of the rear of the building.

The report recommended that planning permission be approved, however following a motion to refuse planning permission which was carried by 10 votes to 1, it was RESOLVED that planning permission be refused on the grounds that the proposal would be excessively bulky and overpowering in the Howard Road streetscene and thereby harmful to character and amenity . and the Council’s Infrastructure Contribution as required in accordance with the Policy DC72 of the LDF Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document and the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document would not be provided.

The vote for the resolution to refuse the granting of planning permission was carried by 10 votes to 1.

Councillor Thompson voted against the resolution to refuse the granting of planning permission.