Issue - meetings

Description:

This application was for Prior Approval for the Change of Use from Office (Class B1a) to Residential comprising 25 flats.

Additional Information:

The Planning Development Manager gave the following updates

A formal consultation response from the County Highway Authority was received raising no objection subject to conditions.  Based on the legislation for this type of application, the Council was required to consider the highways and transport impacts of the development and in particular any change in the volume of character of traffic.  In this instance, based on the requirements of the legislation, it was considered that the condition requiring the submission of bicycle details would satisfactorily deal with this matter.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Anne Damerell spoke against the proposed development raising the following key points:

·No objection in planning terms

·Substandard housing – too small – do not meet housing sizes in technical standards

·Set a precedent for housing developers

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

·         Concern about the small flat sizes

·         Good use of building to meet housing needs

·         Good idea but shamefully executed

·         Social problems with small size of dwellings

·         Should provide affordable housing

·         Why has it been brought before the planning committee?

Decision:

The recommendation to grant prior approval was agreed.  It was also agreed that the Planning Development Manager should write to the applicant advising of the concerns raised at the Planning Committee over the fact that some of the residential units do not meet the National Technical Housing Standards.