Agenda item

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

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the change of use of the existing Grade II listed building from Office (B1) to 4 x residential flats (C3) with associated internal and external alterations.

The application site was located to the south east of Salisbury Square and fronts onto Park Street at its junction with Broadway and Fore Street.  The site lies within the Old Hatfield Conservation Area and also within an Area of Archaeological significance as outlined in the Welwyn Hatfield District Plan 2005.  The application building was Grade II Listed and the list description of the building is as follows:

“Houses and shop. C17 timber frame. Long range with cross wing on S. Roughcast. Plain and machine tile roof. 2 storeys. 2 and 5 windows, left hand end slightly projecting with hipped roof. Ground floor shop with 2 wooden Tuscan columns at door on angle. Right hand part has 2 blank 1st floor windows and raised wall surface below roughcast. Half-glazed door on left with early C19 cut bracketed hood. Tall mid C17 red brick chimney stack towards right with 6 square joined shafts. Late C19 flush sash windows to whole range. Moulded wood cornice.”

The building maintained an element with a shop appearance, however, the existing lawful use of the building was as (B1) offices.  The building had no external space, apart from a small courtyard area to the south west corner which was enclosed on all sides by walls.

The application had been presented to the Development Management Committee because Councillor Hebden has called it in.

Councillor Hebden’s reason for call-in stated:

“I would like to call in this application as I believe that this is of great local and public interest that requires open discussion to ensure the correct decision is made. This building has been subject to unsuccessful planning applications and remained unused for some years; good use of this property would certainly enhance the local area. Having reviewed the application I believe that clarity is required, prior to any decision being made, regarding – the viability of the project, internal works, disruption caused by building works and parking availability.”

Dr J.Fisher, Chairman, Old Hatfield Residents Association spoke as an objector to the application raising concerns regarding the loss of office space; the impact on the vitality of the area; the lack of local consultation and a condition for the provision of a clear construction plan.

Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor T.Lyons, seconded by Councillor P.Shah and

RESOLVED:

(12 voting for and 1 abstention)

That planning permission be granted subject to conditions and the conclusions of the consultation period expiring on the 28 February 2019.

DRAWING NUMBERS

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.

POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE STATEMENT

The decision has been made taking into account, where practicable and appropriate the requirements of paragraph 38 of the National Planning Policy Framework and material planning considerations do not justify a decision contrary to the development plan.