Agenda and minutes

There were apologies from T. Abbott.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

D. Smith declared an interest in item B) 1-5 Market Place & 10 Hotel Street.

Councillor Garrity declared a general interest as Chair of the Development Control Committee. She undertook to express no opinions on any of the matters being discussed on the agenda.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2005 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 27 July 2005 be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising.

The Service Director, Environment submits a report on decisions made by the Development Control Committee on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

The Service Director, Environment submitted a report on decisions made by the Development Control Committee on planning applications previously considered by the Conservation Advisory Panel.

Mr Burrows enquired about the Bath Lane application which the Panel recommended for refusal which was approved by the Committee. Officers commented that planners were able to reach a compromise with developers with regard to concerns about loss of original fabric.

Mr Burrows made further enquiries regarding the amended plans that were approved on the 27 Knighton Road and Highfield Street applications. Officers commented that planning officers were able to overcome objections and reach a compromise with the applicants.

Mr Bowyer then raised a general point about getting feedback at the Panel on the changes that were made to applications that were approved at the Development Control (DC) Committee. He felt that it was important to ensure that CAP was made aware that its comments were being taken on board. He also felt that it was important that if CAP had recommended refusal then the matter would automatically be considered by the DC Committee. Councillor Garrity felt that it was important that confirmation be provided that officers with delegated powers take account of the views of CAP. Councillor Garrity agreed to seek a meeting between the Chair, Mr. Bowyer and herself with the Head of Development Control to consider this matter.

RESOLVED:

that the report be received and the decisions taken, be noted.

The Service Director, Environment submits a report on planning applications received for consideration by the Panel.

A) VAUGHAN WAY, HIGHCROSS STREET, BURGESS STREET & CAUSEWAY; NEW SHIRES WEST DEVELOPMENT

Planning Application 20050608 & 20051492

Redevelopment

The Director noted that the Panel had previously discussed proposals for the new ‘Shires extension’ in 2004 and earlier in 2005. The current applications were for changes in the design of the new build on Shires Lane and Highcross Street (20050608) and details of the new five storey building to include cinema, restaurant and cafe, bar, retail, financial and professional services (20051492).

The Panel felt that the design was difficult to fully appreciate from the submitted plans and suggested that a 3D model could be requested from the applicant. This would help Panel members assess the wider impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings and the High Street Conservation Area.

The Panel felt that the ground floor arrangement was not pedestrian friendly and would not entice people to walk alongside it. A ground floor shopping arcade was suggested. They were also unsure what the proposed reflective materials would look like and requested further information on this. Some panel members felt that the design of the building was not adventurous enough and more dramatic angles might make for a more exciting building. The Panel were of the opinion that a strong building was needed on this corner but more thought and articulation was required.

The Panel judged that the proposed amendments to the residential block adjacent to the old Grammar School were an improvement on the approved scheme.

B) 1-5 MARKET PLACE & 10 HOTEL STREET

Listed Building Consent 20051479, Planning Application 20051478

Internal & external alterations

The Director noted that the Panel had previously considered an application for the conversion of the ground floor into two separate shop units with flats on the upper floors, involving the reinstatement of the original party wall and removal of internal details from the former wine lodge, was considered last April. The current proposal was for internal and external alterations in connection with the continued use of the building as a public house.

The Panel were fairly happy with the internal changes although there was some concern regarding the loss of the layout which, although not original, did respect the Georgian/Victorian character.

The panel questioned the need to widen the external doors to the Jetty and opposed the rooflights on the front elevation roof slope. It was also recommended that the proposed additional flue should be powder coated. They also raised the issue of providing suitable access to the disabled toilets.

C) ABBEY PARK ROAD, BOSTON HOUSE

Planning Application 20051300

Change of use, extensions

The Director noted that the Panel had previously made observations on a redevelopment scheme on this site involving a new six to eight storey building for 84 flats, swimming pool and gymnasium in the spring of 2003. This current application was for the conversion of the building to 44 flats involving extensions to the front, rear and roof. The proposal included basement car parking and landscaping.

The Panel raised no objections to this scheme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To consider such other business as, in the opinion of the Chair, ought, by reason of special circumstances, to be considered urgently.

Members are asked to inform the Chair and Committee Administrator in advance of the meeting if they have urgent business that they wish to be considered.

Officers reported back with regard to the request for Conservation Officers recommendations being included for B list items. It was commented that B list items are minor items of an uncontroversial nature. If applications come in which do have complications, they would be on the A list. It is therefore to be assumed that B list items would be likely to be approved.

Mr Burrows also noted that the civic society were going on a visit to the historic town of Malvern.

The meeting closed at 7.30pm.