Decision details

Description:

Demolition of existing dwelling, partial lowering of ground level and erection of part four storey, part three storey building with pitched roof surrounding privacy screen over the rear element all containing 7 no. 2 bed self-contained flats and associated parking (7 no. spaces) and amenity space.

Additional Information:

The Assistant Head of Planning informed the Committee that a further 21 letters of representation were received including one on behalf of Staines Town Society raising the following concerns:

·         Insufficient Parking

·         Out of keeping with Cherry Orchard

·         Traffic congestion from train station

·         Loss of Victorian building

·         Loss of light to Phoenix Court

·         Excessive density (125dph)

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Paul Alexander spoke against the proposal raising the following key points:

·         Almost identical to previously refused scheme.

·         Previous three reasons for refusal still apply.

·         Car parking squeezed in.  Scale, design, density, inadequate car parking

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Steve Dench spoke for the proposal raising the following key points:

·         Worked with planning officers to re-work the refused design scheme

·         That the proposal was compliant with policy

·         Materials would match the surrounding buildings

·         Very close to the train station

·         Parking provision is acceptable

Debate:

·         During the debate the following key issues were raised:

·         Unsightly building at present

·         Antisocial behaviour at present

·         Good parking provision

·         Close to town centre which is thriving

·         On street parking problems

·         Inadequate car parking

·         Not an improvement

·         Overdevelopment

·         Lack of affordable housing

Decision:

The application was approved subject to the conditions as set out in the report of the Head of Planning and Housing Strategy.