Agenda item

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

Report of the Executive Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) detailing the application of an addition two floors to form 15 X 1 bed flats and 1 X 2 bed flat, alterations to elevations including fenestration details and associated cycle parking, bin storage facilities and disabled parking spaces following removal of existing roof.

The application site was located close to the corner of the cross roads with Bridge Road East and Broadwater Road and comprised a two storey office building and associated car park.  The site was located within an employment area.  However this particular area was changing by virtue of the introduction of residential developments close to the application site, which included the recent permission for the redevelopment of Mercury House and the Shredded Wheat Factory in the immediate vicinity. 

The application site currently benefited from a car park to the rear of the other buildings for approximately 38 car parking spaces to the side of the site with limited landscaping along the boundaries.

The proposal would comprise a two-storey roof extension to the existing building, to create an additional 16 number residential flats (15 x 1 bedroom flats and 1 x two bedroom flat).  Vehicular access to the building was from the rear of the site.

Accord House has extant permission for change of use from B1 office to C3 residential (ref. 6/2017/0525/PN11).  The change of use had been implemented, and took place as permitted development, under the provisions of Class O of Schedule 2 (Part 3) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (or as amended).

The proposed development would be constructed at the same time as the changes to the façade of the ground and first floor, which had been approved under (ref.6/2017/0903/FULL).  The proposed plans for the current application also showed these façade changes to demonstrate the appearance of the completed residential building.  A slight change to the window bars from that already permitted was proposed.

Members noted that the changes to the façade of the ground and first floor were not possible under the application for prior approval, as the process did not allow for works which would constitute development as separate planning permission would be required.  The prior approval established that the building could be converted to residential, this application sought to justify a greater number of flats and a denser form of residential development.

Mr Tim Waller (agent) spoke in support of the application.

It was then moved by Councillor D.Bennett, seconded by Councillor A.Chesterman and

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

That planning permission be approved subject to the conditions as set out in the report of Officers and the applicant entering the necessary S.106 Agreement to secure the following obligations and agreeing any necessary extensions to the Statutory determination period to allow the completion of the S106 Obligation.

·         30% affordable housing

·         WHBC Client Services (Waste & Recycling) - £1,730.00

·         WHBC Green Spaces - £1,360.00

·         WHBC Play Facilities - £3,606.40

·         HCC Nursery Education - £675

·         HCC Childcare - £177

·         Management and maintenance of the communal areas.

The development/works shall not be started and completed other than in accordance with the approved plans and details:

REASON: To ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and details.