Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Democratic Services, email:  democraticservices@epsom-ewell.gov.uk  tel: 01372 732000

Items
No. Item

11.

Declarations of Interest

Members are asked to declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in respect of any item of business to be considered at the meeting.

Minutes:

The following declarations of interest were made to the agenda item on the Wells Social Centre, Spa Drive, Epsom:

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Clive Woodbridge declared his previous involvement in relation to the site as it was owned by the Council. Councillor Woodbridge also declared he had received a number of emails from members of the public and Ward Councillors objecting to the application. He stated he had come to the meeting without any predetermination and would act with impartiality.

Councillor David Gulland, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor David Gulland declared that he had also received a number of emails in objection and that he had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Debbie Monksfield, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Debbie Monksfield declared she had received a number of emails from members of the public objecting to the application. She stated that she had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Jan Mason, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Jan Mason declared her previous involvement with the site as it was owned by the Council. She had also received a number of emails in objection and that he had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Lucie McIntyre, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Lucie McIntyre declared that she had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Neil Dallen, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Neil Dallen declared his previous involvement with the site as it was owned by the Council. He stated he had come to the meeting without any predetermination and would act with impartiality. Councillor Dallen also declared that he is a member of the Epsom Civic Society.

Councillor Peter O'Donovan, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Peter O'Donovan declared his previous involvement with site as it was owned by the Council. He had also received a number of emails in objection and that he had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Previn Jagutpal, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Previn Jagutpal declared he had received a number of emails from members of the public and Ward Councillors in objection to this item. He stated that he had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Other Interest: In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Steven McCormick declared he had received a number of emails from members of the public in objection to this item. He stated that he had come to the meeting with an open mind. Councillor McCormick also declared that he is a member of the Epsom Civic Society.

12.

Wells Social Centre, Spa Drive, Epsom, KT18 7LR pdf icon PDF 265 KB

The redevelopment of the existing site to provide 23 residential units comprising a mix of 5 x 1 bed, 15 x 2 bed and 3 bed properties (40% affordable), a new community hall, playground and associated car parking and landscaping following demolition of the existing building.

Minutes:

Description

The redevelopment of the existing site to provide 23 residential units comprising a mix of 5 x 1 bed, 15 x 2 bed and 3 bed properties (40% affordable), a new community hall, playground and associated car parking and landscaping following demolition of the existing building.

 

Decision

The Committee noted a presentation from the Planning Development Manager.

The Committee were also addressed by Ward Councillor, Bernie Muir who spoke in objection to the application. The Committee also heard from two objectors and also from those representing the Applicant.

The following items were raised by the Committee:

Parking facilities:Members noted the number of proposed car parking spaces for the residential units, and raised concerns regarding the impact this may have on the local area. It was noted that emergency vehicles may be delayed in attending the site due to a lack of turning space to non-domestic vehicles, and that it may be a possibility to fit approved British-standard sprinkler systems in lieu of potential delays from the Fire Brigade in emergencies. Members noted the 26 proposed cycle spaces on the development, which would mitigate the need for some car ownership.

Privacy to neighbouring residents: Members noted concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of the community centre and the loss in private amenity space that this may cause to residents on Wells Way. Members highlighted that part of the proposal includes plans to plant trees to offer some privacy to residents on Wells Way.

Affordable housing: Members noted the shortage of housing within the Borough and how the proposed development would be of benefit in fulfilling need. Members noted the number of units being offered as affordable housing and spoke about the possibility of this number being increased.

Character of building: Members noted concerns regarding the proposed residential element of the scheme. It was noted that the materials and detailing were important factors and required careful handling.

The Vice-Chair, Councillor Monica Coleman proposed a deferral. This was seconded by Councillor Neil Dallen. The reason for this deferral was to give Officers the opportunity to discuss the concerns raised by the Committee. These include:

·         Highways and parking

·         Housing mix

·         Privacy to neighbouring residents

·         Style and suiting of proposed development

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

The Application be DEFERRED and brought back to the Committee once all the additional information is available.