Apologies for absence were received from Councillor T Lagden.

Councillor J McIllroy was absent

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2021 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2021 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

Councillors C Bateson, A Brar, J Doran, N Gething, M Gibson, H Harvey, N Islam, S Mooney, R Noble, R Sider BEM, R Smith-Ainsley, B Spoor and J Vinson reported that they had received correspondence and/or telephone calls from Inland Homes in relation to application 20/01199/FUL, The Old Telephone Exchange, Masonic Hall & adj Land, Elmsleigh Road, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 4PN but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Ward

Staines

Proposal

Demolition of the former Masonic Hall and redevelopment of site to provide 206 dwellings together with car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works.

Recommendation

This application is recommended for approval subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

Description:

Demolition of the former Masonic Hall and redevelopment of site to provide 206 dwellings together with car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works.

Additional Information:

-       One late letter of objection had been received. The comments raised were already covered in the report.

-       27 late support cards had been received.

-       The applicant had offered to fund a consultation into a residents parking zone for the Richmond Road and Gresham Road area. However, the County Highway Authority had commented that a contribution towards a Controlled Parking Zone was not a particularly effective mitigation measure and was not supportive of this proposal.

-       Paragraph 7.57 to be amended:

     Paragraph 131 of the NPPF states that, ‘In determining applications, great weight should be given to outstanding or innovative designs which promote high levels of sustainability, or help raise the standard of design more generally in an area, so long as they fit in with the overall form and layout of their surroundings.’  In addition, the National Design Guide advises that “well designed places and buildings conserve natural resources including land, water, energy and materials”   Sustainable features/systems are provided within the scheme over and above what is required by our planning policy. The proposal includes 100% of the car parking spaces provided to have EV charging points (of which 40% will be active and 60% will be passive) and in addition, the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) in order to meet the renewable energy requirement stipulated in Policy CC1. However, these will provide 39% of the total energy demand on the site, which is substantially above the policy requirement of 10%.  It is therefore considered that the environmental credentials of the proposals will be significantly more innovative than the policy requirements.

-       An additional paragraph to be added at the end of the Equalities Act 2010 section of the report on page 54:

It is further considered that apart from a direct impact this proposal will have on disabled people, there is also going to be an indirect impact on number of people who share other protected characteristic. This impact will arise/derive mainly from construction works and may affect to a various but not significant degree pedestrians or shoppers.

-       Paragraph 7.83 to be amended to:

The officers have raised concerns with the applicant regarding the low level of parking spaces on the site and have asked for evidence to be provided to justify it. In particular, the officers advised that there are a number of local streets within walking distance of the site where new residents could potentially park their car. The nearest streets where parking is not restricted are Richmond Road and Gresham Road (approximately 250 – 300m away). Also, the proposed parking level of 0.23 spaces per unit is substantially lower compared to the existing car ownership figures provided in the 2011 Census for this particular area of the Borough (the Census states that in this town centre area  ...  view the full minutes text for item 171/21

Ward

Staines

Proposal

Construction of a new leisure centre with associated parking, pedestrian access, landscaping and public realm, and the demolition of the existing Leisure Centre

Recommendation

This application is recommended for approval

Description:

Construction of a new leisure centre with associated parking, pedestrian access, landscaping and public realm, and the demolition of the existing leisure centre.

Additional Information:

There was none.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Ian Anderson, agent for the applicant, spoke for the proposed development raising the following key points:

-       The current leisure centre is beyond its operational life and has poor environmental credentials

-       The public responded favourably to the site proposal

-       The existing Leisure Centre must remain in operation whilst the new centre is being built for business continuity purposes

-       The Nursery is approximately 65m from the new building and is not significantly overlooked

-       The Passihaus strategy proposed for the new Leisure Centre will reduce the annual CO2 emissions by approximately 70% per annum

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-       The Borough has needed a new Leisure Centre for many years

-       Although there is a large cost involved it will benefit the Community for many years

-       Passihaus system positive and reflects the work that the Council is undertaking in respect of Climate Change

-       Excellent design

-       Makes good use of the available space

-       Large car park but no designated spaces for motorbikes

-       Concerns about the noise from the football pitches early in the morning

-       Would be positive to create a rainwater capture system and use it elsewhere in the building

-       Could ground source heating be looked at as a green initiative.

-       Could temporary accommodation be provided for the adjacent Nursery whilst building work is taking place

Decision:

The application was APPROVED.

To note details of the Planning appeals submitted and decisions received between 14 May 2021 - 9 June 2021.

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 details of future major planning applications.

The Planning Development Manager presented a report outlining the 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.