Agenda item

To determine the application.

David Rowen presented the report to members.

Councillor Mrs French, read out a written representation from Councillor Benney in support of the application.  Councillor Benney stated that as a Chatteris Town Councillor I have been the chair of the Chatteris Growing Fenland Project since its inception, its aims are simple, to purchase the old Barclays Bank building with a view to move Chatteris Museum from its current site in Church Lane to the ground floor of the Barclays Bank building, which will give the museum more space for displaying the many local artefacts that due to lack of current space are not displayed to their fullest. He explained that the Town Council will retain the upper floor of the Barclays building and let this as office space to generate an income to the council.

Councillor Benney stated that the current site of Chatteris Museum at 14 Church Lane will be developed into additional, much needed space for the Town Council and additional community space for local groups, and the proposed application will allow for the upper floor to be converted into two flats that will, with the office space in the Barclays building, deliver an income to the Council that can be re-invested in additional community projects, which would not be delivered without this income.  He expressed the view that the other community space at the King Edward Centre is presently oversubscribed and this will allow groups like CAB to have free use of these community rooms.

Councillor Benney referred to the reasons for refusal:

·         LP6 (loss of cultural asset) - the Town Council would be willing to enter into a Legal Agreement that if it does not purchase the Barclays building and move the museum, it would not implement this application, ensuring no loss of cultural asset;

·         LP16d - every town in Fenland has flats of this nature within town centre locations and being town centre does not require off-street parking, with a bus stop being located well within walking distance of the application site;

·         LP2 LP16 – in his opinion, this kind of development is found throughout Fenland and the setting will enhance the desirability of the flats, providing much needed local homes;

·         LP2 LP15 - the harm (if any) caused by this proposal will be more than offset by the benefit in the form of community space for local groups and the long-term investment the council can make from the rental income of Chatteris Growing Fenland Project.

Councillor Benney hoped members can support this application today and help deliver this much needed boost to the town of Chatteris.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Matthew Hall, the Agent. Mr Hall stated that one of the key points to the application is the existing museum, explaining that a Listed Building consent application has already been granted for relocation of the museum to Park Street, Chatteris and building regulation documents have been submitted along with tender documentation which are being prepared. He added that he has attended meetings at Park Street with the manager of the museum to discuss the layouts and added that Chatteris Town Council would be happy to enter into a legal agreement to ensure that the museum in Chatteris is not lost at its current location until all works and the new museum in Park Street is complete.

Mr Hall added that the site is not in a Conservation Area, and he is pleased that the Conservation Officer does not object to the proposal and has agreed that it will not have a negative effect on the adjacent Listed Building. He expressed the view that the site is located in an area of predominantly residential usage and the proposal for the first floor flat and the change of use of the museum at first floor is in keeping with the immediate area.

Mr Hall advised that he has demonstrated indicative positions of the bin and cycle stores and would be happy to agree these locations with officers as there is access off Church Walk and Church Lane available. He explained that the windows on the western elevation are for a bathroom and limited land area which would both be frosted glass.

Mr Hall stated that the proposal does allow for a community facility which can be used as a meeting space and the remainder of it will be used by Chatteris Town Council offices on the ground floor. He stated that there have been no objections to the scheme, the site is in a predominantly residential area and with the museum relocating to Park Street it allows the building to be a mixed use of residential at first floor and allows Chatteris Town Council to occupy the ground floor along with a community facility.

Councillor Murphy stated he would like to address the committee as a Member of Chatteris Town Council and also as a member of the Public. He stated that the application has arisen as a result of having received monies from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to purchase the old Barclays Bank building in order to move the museum from the Town Council Offices to allow it more room in a town centre position.

Councillor Murphy expressed the view that the museum is pleased about the relocation and are already packing up to relocate and have applied to several organisations for financial support. He explained that the top floor will be let out for office use and will bring a financial income for financial outgoings and repairs.

Councillor Murphy stated the release of the monies from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is imminent and therefore time is of the essence. He explained that the Town Council Offices will be altered in order to give the cramped chamber a storage area and a larger working space for officers to work, with the building being extended to include two flats which will be able to be rented out and the income used for future enhancements for Chatteris.

Councillor Murphy stated that this proposal has been agreed by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority as they feel it is a good project for their contribution.

Members asked comments, made comments, and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Miscandlon stated that he was involved with a similar project at Whittlesey Town Council, and he congratulated Chatteris Town Council for their forethought.

·         Councillor Connor stated that he agrees with Councillor Miscandlon and stated that the building at Whittlesey is an exceptional building and a credit to Whittlesey Town Council.

·         Councillor Mrs French stated that she agrees with the comments made by Councillor Miscandlon. She expressed the opinion that she does not feel that the proposal is over development, and she will support the application.

·         Councillor Cornwell expressed the view that, in theory, the proposal is a good idea, and he supports Chatteris Town Council for their forward thinking. He expressed the view that he does agree with officers with regard to the proposed two flats as, in his view, it will be very tight and there is no amenity space for the flats, with it probably being a better proposal for just one flat.

·         Councillor Mrs French stated that she does understand the comments made by Councillor Cornwell but added there are other flats in town centre locations which have no parking or amenity space.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Miscandlon and agreed that the application be APPROVED against the officer’s recommendation with delegated authority given to officers to determine appropriate conditions and subject to the completion of the legal agreement.

Members do not support refusal of planning permission as they do not feel that the proposal can be considered as over development or result in an unacceptable amenity impact.

(Councillor Murphy took no part in the discussion and voting on this application as he had made a presentation as part of the public participation procedure and was, therefore, pre-determined, and left the meeting for the remainder of this item)