Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2022 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2022 were approved as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, or contact with applicants/objectors under the Planning Code.

a) Disclosures of interest under the Members’ Code of Conduct

There were none.

b) Declarations of interest under the Council’s Planning Code

21/01772/FUL – Former Debenhams, 37-45 High Street, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 4QU

Councillors Gething, Mooney and Rybinski declared that they had attended the meeting of the Environment and Sustainability Committee on 10 May 2022 where the Committee was asked to consider the draft updated Staines Conservation Area Appraisal for public consultation, which included adding the former Debenhams building to the conservation area.  They confirmed that they were approaching the consideration of the application with an open mind on the planning issues put before the committee.

Councillors Bateson and Beecher declared that they attended the Planning Committee on 30 March 2022 where local listing of the former Debenhams building was considered, and that they also attended the Environment and Sustainability Committee on 10 May 2022 where the Committee was asked to consider the draft updated Staines Conservation Area Appraisal for public consultation, which included adding the former Debenhams building to the conservation area. They confirmed that they were approaching the consideration of the application with an open mind on the planning issues put before the committee.

Councillors Button, Sider, Smith-Ainsley, and Vinson declared that they attended the Planning Committee on 30 March 2022 where local listing of the Former Debenhams building was considered.  They confirmed that they were approaching the consideration of the application with an open mind on the planning issues put before the committee.

Ward

Staines

Proposal

Demolition of the former Debenhams Store and redevelopment of site to provide 226 Build-to-Rent dwellings (Use Class C3) and commercial units (Use Class E) together with car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping, amenity space and other associated infrastructure and works.

Recommendation

The application is recommended for refusal.

Description:

Demolition of the former Debenhams Store and redevelopment of site to provide 226 Build-to-Rent dwellings (Use Class C3) and commercial units (Use Class E) together with car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping, amenity space and other associated infrastructure and works.

Additional Information:

At the Council meeting of 19 May referred to in paragraph 1.5, it was agreed that the public consultation for both the Pre-Submission Publication version of the Local Plan and draft Staines Development Framework will run from 15 June 2022 to 5 September 2022.

In paragraph 1.10 of the report relating to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP), the last sentence that states: ‘The weight given to the IDP at this stage is also very limited.’ should be deleted. The IDP is part of the evidence base for the Local Plan and not policy to which weight should be attributed.

The applicant has written in in response to the report and notes:

Historic England did not respond to the assessment of the Egham Hythe Conservation Area.

The applicant also engaged with the MP, local ward members, held a meeting with the Staines Town Society and Riverside Residents Coalition.

Paragraph 7.35 is misleading in respect of building heights:

·         Renshaw  includes up to 11 storeys

·         Charter Square up to 12 storeys

·         London Road up to 13 storeys

In Paragraph 7.46 the applicant’s proposed materials would be a different type of brick slip.

Paragraph 7.64 is misleading in respect of the density of the proposal at 807dph, the 2019 London Road scheme was 429dph.

Paragraphs 7.82 and 7.83 fail to acknowledge that the assessment was revised and Historic England made no further comment.

Paragraph 7.117 does not explain all the reason against the conversion of the building.

In paragraph 7.166 the report refers to 46 tandem spaces, this should read 23 tandem spaces (46 in total). The proposal also includes15 car stacker spaces within the area of increased headroom, that the applicant indicates could be accessed independently of one another.

Paragraph 7.181 the applicant believes the communal garden area is 759m²

Paragraph 7.186 discounts the amenity space for the terraces at podium and penthouse level, which the applicant believes it should not.

Public Speaking:

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

·         Concern about overdevelopment of the site, particularly due to the height of the proposed structures and the density of the dwellings.

·         The dwellings were cramped and poorly designed.

·         There would be a lack of amenity space.

·         There was a lack of affordable housing.

·         There would be a lack of sustainability measures.

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

·         There was a precedent for similarly designed schemes that made efficient use of available land.

·         The development would create a well sited, sustainable ‘landmark building’.

·         It was not possible to retain the existing building and provide high quality housing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34/22

To note details of the Planning appeals submitted and decisions received between 15 March 2022 – 18 May 2022.

The Chairman informed the Committee that if any Member had any detailed queries regarding the report on Appeals lodged and decisions received since the last meeting, they should contact the Planning Development Manager.

Resolved that the report of the Planning Development Manager be received and noted.

To note the details of future major planning applications.

The Planning Development Manager submitted a report outlining major applications that may be brought before the Planning Committee for determination.

Resolved that the report of the Planning Development Manager be received and noted.