Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing community centre and part of existing warehouses, and erection of part four, part five, part six, part ten storey (29.42m) building containing 1150sqm basement and ground floor commercial space (use class B1/D1), with 69 residential units above (one studio, six one-bedroom flats, 38 two-bedroom flats, 16 three-bedroom flats and 8 four-bedroom flats) and 15 basement parking spaces, together with the erection of a single-storey replacement community centre (325sqm D1) set within new landscaped open space on Brooksbank Street. (Revised description)

10.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report as set out in the report.

10.2  Verity Hawkes, spoke in objection of the scheme, her comments are summarised as follows:

§  A petition with 20 signatures had been submitted to the planning department.

§  It was felt that the planning procedure was complicated and they were unaware how to object to the resubmitted application.

§  Object to the ten storey proposal, which would tower over the other properties in the street, with a maximum of five storeys.

§  Destroy the views and quality of life of neighbouring residents.

§  Proposed development was out of character with the surrounding area.

§  Proposed development will create congestion, as car parking had already reached capacity in the area.

§  The majority of properties in the vicinity were privately owned, was it appropriate to introduce social housing.

§  The James Taylor building was in good condition, the potential of this building for redevelopment was not being utilised.

§  Need to save the wildlife on the existing site.

§  There was already a need for a community centre, so this was not viewed as a benefit to local residents.

10.3  Matthew Lloyd, agent, spoke in support of the scheme, his comments are summarised as follows:

§  A large amount of pre-application negotiations had take place to provide a better design.

§  The previous application submitted did not include the community centre.

§  There will not be an increase in the number of car parking spaces already provided.

§  A large number of the 39 social housing units have 4 beds, which meets the need within the area.

§  It was proposed to retain the beautiful brickwork fascade along Cresset road.

§  An eco report will be undertaken.

§  The current community centre was not purpose made, this will be replaced with a tailor-made centre.

10.4  At this point the Chair declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest as Matthew Lloyd has been in attendance at previous Members’ Site Visits.

10.5  In response to a question regarding paragraph 8.3.15, the Principal Solicitor explained that whichever application was implemented first could be built out.  The Planning Officer added that there was currently an overlap between this application and a previous appeal.

10.6  The Chair made reference to paragraph 6.3.7 and the use of bamboo as a screen against the north elevation to the rear garden of 8 Collent Street and whether this was a permanent form of screening.  The Planning Officer stated that the materials were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10