Agenda item

To determine the application.

David Rowen presented the report to members.

The committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection: Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04 refers)) during its deliberations.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Matthew Hall, the Agent. Mr Hall stated that the application has been subject to numerous discussions and amendments in order to achieve an acceptable scheme, with the existing building on the site having not been used for in excess of 15 years and being in very poor condition with sections of it even lost. He explained that the bricks from the demolished building will be used in the proposal in accordance with the planning condition and advised the committee that an independent tree report was commissioned with regards to the tree onsite which advises that the development can be built out without any damage to the tree.

Mr Hall made the point that there are no technical objections to the proposal and the site is in a town centre location which allows the existing building to be demolished and the site to be regenerated for residential usage. He explained that there have been a number of different planning officers considering the site under two planning applications and officers have provided some excellent advice and have worked with him to bring the proposal before the committee today with a recommendation of approval.

Members asked Mr Hall the following questions:

·       Councillor Mrs Mayor stated that Mr Hall had referred to the re-use of materials from the demolished building and asked whether this is something that can be achieved? Mr Hall stated that the bricks would definitely be used as it is a 215 wall and they can be turned around, but there is likely to be a shortage of bricks and there may need to be some bricks made up. He added that the roof tiles, the timbers and floor would definitely not be reused.

·       Councillor Murphy stated that the Town Council has recommended refusal and have stated that there are concerns in the area regarding the illegal use of the roadway during the designated times. He added that it is a pedestrianised area, and he would have thought that the applicant should be aware of the restrictions. Mr Hall stated that on the three occasions he has been to the site there has been a car parked at the access point on one occasion and on the two other occasions there has been nothing there. He added that it is a pedestrian zone, and the applicant understands that which is why the scheme includes no parking.

·       Councillor Mrs Mayor stated that she is the Ward Councillor and the loading and unloading allowance is before 10am and after 4pm and asked Mr Hall how he intended to facilitate any deliveries to the site as there is no back access to the site? Mr Hall explained that the applicant is also the developer who is likely to build the site out and he understands the restrictions concerning delivery times and would be happy to accept a construction management plan to be agreed with officers.

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

·       Councillor Mrs Mayor stated that the restrictions on delivery times have also been mentioned and unfortunately a lot of people take no notice of the signage at the top of High Causeway and blatantly break the law accessing the road outside of those stated times. She added that she is concerned as is her fellow Ward Councillor, about deliveries and the two cars which are parked do belong to a local shopkeeper and resident who has always parked in that location. Councillor Mrs Mayor stated that it is a difficult entrance, and it is right next door to the gate of the funeral directors, and expressed the view that should the proposal be approved then the occupiers of the flat will be able to look over a wall into the facilities belonging to the funeral directors and she can foresee that at some point there will be complaints received. She expressed great concern about the access into the site which is only the width of a double gateway.

·       Councillor Sutton stated that he can understand the concerns raised by Councillor Mrs Mayor, but if the developer manages his site well then there should not be any problems with the access.

·       Councillor Sutton stated that he is pleased to see agents working with officers to bring applications forward which can be approved, and congratulated officers.

·       Councillor Murphy expressed the opinion that he cannot see anything wrong with the proposal as it will smarten the area up which is right in the centre of Whittlesey. He added that it will be a purpose built home and as long as the occupiers take note of the restrictions for High Causeway, he cannot see anything untoward with the proposal.

·       Councillor Skoulding stated that he would hope that something can be achieved with regards to the overlooking into the funeral directors’ facilities.

·       Councillor Murphy stated that the occupier of the flat will need to consider that and it is not something for the committee to consider.

·       Councillor Mrs Mayor stated that she will support the recommendation of Whittlesey Town Council. She referred to the Ash Tree, which she explained is one of the only trees in the Conservation Area and it is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, and she would like to see it left as it is and be looked after.

·       David Rowen confirmed that the ash tree that Councillor Mrs Mayor referred to is covered by a Tree Preservation Order and, therefore, if any unauthorised works are undertaken on it that would be dealt with as a criminal offence. He added that the assurances have been given development can be undertaken without any adverse impact on the tree.

Proposed by Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Murphy and agreed that the application be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Mrs Mayor declared, under Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that she is a member of Whittlesey Town Council but takes no part in planning matters)