Agenda and minutes

There were apologies from S.Bowyer, J. Dean, Cllr. O’Brien and D. Smith.

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

D. Martin declared a personal interest in Appendix C, Item A) College Hall, Knighton Road.

Councillor Garrity declared a personal interest in all of the business on the agenda as she was a member of the Planning and Development Control Committee.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 November 2006 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Panel held on 22 November 2006 be confirmed as a correct record.

Rowan Roenisch queried when the Panel would receive details of the justification for the demolition of the former Spread Eagle Pub. Officers commented that they didn’t have details with them at this meeting, but the general justification was that the steps outlined in PPG15 had been followed. Officers undertook to circulate written details of the justification with the minutes of the meeting.

The response is detailed below and the Committee report is attached to the minutes.

We were satisfied that the information submitted by the applicant that the tests in PPG15 were met:

1. The costs of refurbishing and re using the building, separately or in association with redevelopment of the adjoining site, for a variety of uses, showed that its retention and reuse were not viable.

2. Evidence was submitted of unsuccessful efforts to market the building, for letting and unrestricted freehold.

3. The merits of the proposed replacement building as amended.

In terms of the application for planning permission there was the additional benefit of regeneration of the site for uses which complement the office core.

A lot more detail is set out in the committee report and the supplementary report.

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

The Service Director Planning and Policy submitted a report on decisions made by the Planning and Development Control Committee on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

Members of the Panel welcomed the fact that decisions taken by the Council were in line with views similar to their own.

RESOLVED:

that the report be noted.

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

A) COLLEGE HALL KNIGHTON ROAD

Planning Application 20061892, Listed Building Consent 20061904, Conservation Area Consent 20061977

Change of use, new development and demolition

The Director said that the application was for the conversion of the former halls of residence to self contained flats and a nursery plus 14 three storey town houses, new parking and landscaping. The proposals involved extensions to some of the listed blocks and internal and external alterations. The demolition of Latimer House, a large early 20^th century property was also proposed.

The Panel pointed out the national importance of this complex of buildings by Sir Lesley Martin and Trevor Dannett – perhaps the finest of its kind in the country. It was felt that there was little opportunity for change either to the existing layout or additions to the buildings externally, objecting to the increased height of one block and the new build that would replace the bike sheds which would prevent views into the site. The Panel was opposed to the demolition of Latimer house which it was argued was a well designed early 20^th century house that dominated views along Carisbrooke Road and played a significant role in the character of the conservation area. Concerns were also raised on the potential increase in motorised vehicle use that the proposal would generate.

It was however conceded that there may be scope for a new element within the car park space.

B) CHARLES STREET, FORMER CHARLES STREET POLICE STATION

Listed Building Consent 20061966

Internal & external alterations

The Director noted that the redevelopment of the former Police station site was considered by the Panel in 2005. This included the change of use of the grade II listed main building to office use with a ground floor restaurant. This application was for internal and external alterations to facilitate this conversion.

The Panel was happy with the proposed internal alterations.

C) 20-26 ELMS ROAD, CLARE HALL

Planning Application 20062028, Conservation Area Consent 20062041

Sixteen houses

The Director noted that Clare Hall was a university campus that had recently been vacated. This application was for the demolition of the 1960s buildings and the redevelopment of the site with 16 houses, 13 four bed and 3 three bed.

The Panel thought this proposal was an over development of the site. The design of the new build was considered to be a poor pastiche with particularly over powering roofs. The Panel expressed a preference for a modern design for the buildings – something that reflected the age in which we live - and a layout that made better use of the site. The loss of the existing 1960s buildings was conceded.

D) 138 WESTCOTES DRIVE, SYKEFIELD

Planning Application 20062017

Extension and new build

The Director noted that two applications for an extension to the house involving the removal of outbuildings and a freestanding new build were approved in 1993/1994. These applications had expired and the applicant was re-submitting an application of the previously approved scheme.

The Panel conceded that as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

The meeting closed at 7.20pm.