Agenda item

Demolition of existing buildings on site and erection of a part 5, part 7 storey building providing 20 residential flats with associated cycle and refuse stores. (Amended scheme received 01.05.2020)

Description

Demolition of existing buildings on site and erection of a part 5, part 7 storey building providing 20 residential flats with associated cycle and refuse stores. (Amended scheme received 01.05.2020)

Decision

The Committee noted a presentation from the Planning Officer.

The Committee was addressed by Ward Councillor, Peter Webb, who spoke in objection to the Application. The Committee also heard from an objector, and an Agent to the Applicant.

The following points were raised by the Committee:

Sustainability of location: Members spoke about the sustainability of the proposed development, and noted its close proximity to the train station and shopping parade.

Amenity: Members raised concerns regarding the lack of private amenity space for the proposed residential units.

Character and design of building: Members noted concerns regarding the design of the proposed development. Members noted the size, scale and style of the proposed development and spoke about whether it may be out of character of the surrounding area in terms of colouring and materials.

Housing mix: Members raised concerns regarding the lack of properties proposed to be offered as affordable housing.

Parking: Members raised concerns regarding the proposed development being a car-free scheme. The site is situated in close proximity to a number of public transport options including bus routes and the train station, but detailed no parking bays for residents, visitors or loading.

An additional reason for refusal was proposed by Councillor Neil Dallen, and seconded by Councillor Jan Mason. This reason was due to the proposed development not meeting the car parking standards as set out in Policy DM37.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that:

The Application be REFUSED in accordance with Officer recommendation and an additional reason relating to parking.

These reasons are as follows:

(1)          The design of the development due to its scale and height would appear as a dominant and incongruous element in the streetscene and would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area, contrary to Policy DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

(2)          The adverse impacts of the scheme would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the development including additional housing units when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole. The proposal is contrary to the NPPF 2019, and Policies DM9, and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

(3)          In absence of a completed legal obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), the applicant has failed to comply with Policy CS9 (Affordable Housing and meeting Housing Needs) and para 64 of the NPPF 2019 in relation to the provision of two affordable on-site units.

(4)          The proposed development would not meet the parking standards as set out in Policy DM37 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015 resulting in harm on the amenities of surrounding residential occupiers' in terms of streetscene and availability of on-street parking. It would fail to comply with Policy CS16 of the Core Strategy 2007 and paragraph 102(e) of the NPPF 2019.