Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance).

Report of the Executive Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) detailing an application seeking planning permission for the change of use of former Roche products factory (Class B offices, research and manufacturing) to provide 34 residential units (Class C3) across basement, ground and first to third floors, with associated external alterations including excavation to the rear lightwell of southern elevation, additional and altered fenestration to the northern and southern elevations, creation of additional car parking and associated landscaping, together with internal alterations including the subdivision and reconfiguration of floorspace, the introduction of five new spiral staircases and provision of servicing within the building.

Ms Andrea Herrick, agent spoke in favour of the application.

Borough Councillor Malcolm Cowan spoke against the application

Officers proposed the following amendment to Clause 6 of the Heads of Term.

6.  Contribution to Affordable Housing of £50,000 together with the inclusion of a clause for a viability review mechanism following completion of the 25th property sale.

Members expressed the following views.

•        Development of the site was to be welcomed particularly in light of the vandalism and neglect currently experienced at the site.

•        It was unacceptable that the owner of the site had allowed a historically listed building to fall into such a poor state of disrepair.

•        The loss of the heavily used parking spaces within the site would result in the lack of spaces for neighbouring properties, which would spill over into residential roads nearby.

•        A parking study should be undertaken prior to any decision being made on the application for the proposed site.

•        The proposed change of use and alterations to the building would potentially harm the significance and setting of the listed building.

•        The total lack of social housing in the proposed development was unacceptable.

•        The provision of social housing in the scheme would not be detrimental to the overall profitability of the site.

The Legal Adviser reminded Members that the Council had sought independent advice from BNP Paribas on the viability of the site.  The Council would be at risk should Members go against the advice given by their own agents who were specialists in this area.

It was then proposed by Councillor F.Thomson, seconded by Councillor M.Larkins and

RESOLVED:

(11 voting for, 3 against)

That planning permission be approved for the application Former Roche Products Site, 40 Broadwater Road, AL7 3AY - 6/2016/1882/FULL subject to the imposition of relevant conditions and the satisfactory completion of a supplementary Section 106 Agreement to secure the following obligations:

1.      Contribution to Green Space £3,535.56 (tree planting in Welwyn Garden City centre)

2.      Contribution to Play Space £9,273.60 (enhancement of Coral Meads play area)

3.      Contribution to Refuse and Recycling of up to £1,800

4.      Contribution to Library Service £4,459 (enhancement of IT on First Floor of Welwyn Garden City Library)

5.      Contribution to Youth Service £434 (mobile provision)

6.      Contribution to Affordable Housing of £50,000 together with the inclusion of a clause for a viability review mechanism following completion of the 25th property sale

7.      Provision of fire hydrants as necessary