Minutes:
Member of the public, Jeremy Reece, spoke against the application. The applicant’s agent, Alvin Howard, spoke in favour of the application.
The Senior Planning Officer Chris Marsh introduced the application which sought approval for Demolition of redundant factory storage units, and replacement with 10 new dwellings, associated works & landscaping. Photographs were shown of the existing site and diagrams were shown of the proposed development. The condition of the buildings and the scope for re-use/conversion as per previously permitted proposals was discussed as were concerns as to existing infrastructure. The reasons for refusal where summarised as there being too many unknowns to the plans and insufficient evidence being provided in respect of the scope or otherwise for re-use, the need for redevelopment and Ecological constraints and requirements. Attention was also drawn to the late submissions of the ecology report and late items were referenced.
After technical questions, the Planning Officer confirmed that a preferred option would have been for the conversion and retention of some part of the existing structure, but that the applicants were seeking complete demolition and rebuild. The Officer also explained that concerns regarding highways would have to be measured against the potential commercial use of the property, and that he highways impact would have to be severe to give grounds for refusal.
Members of the public then had the opportunity to address the Committee, as detailed above.
Local Division Member Dick Tonge spoke in favour of the application, stating that applications on this site had been going on for years, and that he was keen for it to be developed. He also expressed concerns as to the sites disrepair. He noted that the site already had permissions for the conversion to residential use and suggested that permission be given for demolition, before the buildings fell down.
In the debate that followed, Councillors noted that the site could be suitable for residential development but not in the form set out in the existing application and raised concerns as to the lack of detail and necessary supporting information to facilitate the full and necessary consideration of the impact of the scheme proposals. Cllr Peter Hutton moved the Officer’s recommendation for refusal, which was seconded by Cllr Jacqui Lay and approved by the Committee.
RESOLVED:
That the Application be refused for the following reasons:
Supporting documents: