Agenda item

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

Report of the Executive Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) detailing the erection of 54 residential flats consisting of (19 X1 BED and 35 X 2 BED), with associated access, car parking, amenity space and landscaping involving demolition of existing office building (B1).

Members noted the site was located in a central position within Welwyn Garden City’s employment area on a corner plot located off Bridge Road East and Tewin Road.  Bridge Road East was one of the major thoroughfares of Welwyn Garden City.

Access to the site would be gained directly from Bridge Road East or via the industrial area to the south east indirectly from Bridge Road East by vehicular access points.

The application had been presented to the Development Management Committee by virtue of the proposed development being a departure from the Development Plan as represents residential development in a designated employment area. 

Updates from the case officer had been circulated to Members of the Committee prior to the meeting regarding

Members expressed concern regarding the proposed amount of visitor parking available, which was considered to be inadequate due to the location of the site to the town centre and the parking restrictions in the neighbouring roads.

Following discussion, it was then moved by Councillor N.Pace, seconded by Councillor A.Chesterman and

RESOLVED:

(11 voting for and 2 against)

That planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report and amendment to conditions 19 and 23 to read as follows:

Condition 19 (drawing number updated)

Prior to occupation the vehicular access (indicated for improvement on drawing number PL_1000 rev G) shall be upgraded in accordance with the Hertfordshire County Council specifications. Arrangement shall be made for surface water drainage to be intercepted and disposed of separately so that it does not discharge from or onto the highway carriageway. Concurrent with such works, a new pedestrian refuge shall be provided in the position shown on Bridge Road East.

REASON: In the interest of highway safety and traffic movement, and improving pedestrian connectivity to the site. In accordance with NPPF 2012, Policies M2, M3, M5, M6, M8, M14, and D1, Supplementary Planning Guidance Parking Standards 2004 and Council’s Interim Policy for Car Parking and Garage Sizes 2014.

Condition 23

Prior to the first occupation of the development hereby permitted, full details of a car parking management plan, including adequate visitor car parking arrangements, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The approved plan shall then be implemented and maintained on site.

REASON: To ensure the permanent availability of the parking/manoeuvring area, in the interests of highway safety in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policies M14 and D1 of the Welwyn Hatfield District Plan 2005.

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

Updated list of drawing numbers as circulated prior to the meeting.

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

POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE STATEMENT

The decision has been made taking into account, where practicable and appropriate the requirements of paragraphs 186-187 of the National Planning Policy Framework and material planning considerations do not justify a decision contrary to the development plan (see Officer’s report which can be viewed on the Council's website or inspected at these offices).