Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing building and construction of a new part 7 and part 8 storey building containing ground floor commercial/retail (E use class) and 25 residential units (C3 Use) on upper levels and associated development.

Description

Demolition of existing building and construction of a new part 7 and part 8 storey building containing ground floor commercial/retail (E use class) and 25 residential units (C3 Use) on upper levels and associated development.

Decision

The Committee received a presentation from the Planning Development Officer.

The Committee noted a written objection from the Chair of Epsom Civic Society, which was read out by the Monitoring Officer following connection issues. The Committee was addressed by the Agent to the Applicant.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Parking provision: Members raised concerns regarding the provision of parking spaces. It was confirmed by the Officer that there would be vehicular parking provided on site. The site would, however, incorporate a number of cycle spaces. It was noted that discussions with Surrey County Councils Highways had been undertaken and they had raised no concerns with this aspect of the scheme.

b)           Arrangements for refuse collection: Members raised concerns with the proposed lay-by for refuse-collection vehicles to frequent. The Officer noted that the Waste Services Department had been consulted and were satisfied with the arrangements for refuse collection throughout the proposed scheme.

c)            Height, design and scale: Members noted that the proposed development would be the tallest building in Epsom town. Members noted the size and scale of the proposal and spoke about whether it would adversely impact the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

d)           Affordable housing: Members noted the need for affordable housing within the Borough. Following a question from a Member, the Officer confirmed that potential occupants would be assessed against a set of criteria which they must fit in order to be considered to purchase the affordable units.

e)            Amenity space: Members noted the revised layout of the proposed balconies. The Officer noted that these balconies would not affect any external elevations, and that the proposed scheme maintained internal and external amenity areas.

The Head of Planning recommended that the Committee propose this Application be deferred, to allow Officers to re-present to the Committee once more information had been obtained regarding:

·         Affordable housing

·         Design (Secured by Design)

·         Height/Mass/Density

·         Amenity space

·         Arrangement for refuse collection

·         Various matters of factual classification, including the amount, type and location of landscaping measures; the location of cycle store facilities; and arrangements for the car club vehicle.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved with 10 Members voting for, 2 Members voting against and the Chair not voting that:

The Application be DEFFERED and brought back to the Committee once the Officer had obtained more information.