Agenda item

Alterations and conversion of the existing Lancaster Centre building into 8 self-contained flats. Demolition of the existing Hermitage Nursery Building and construction of a two storey (with accommodation in roof) block of 12 flats with associated car parking, soft and hard landscaping (20 residential flats in total). (AMENDED PLANS RECEIVED)

Recommendation :

Alterations and conversion of the existing Lancaster Centre building into 7 self-contained flats. Demolition of the existing Hermitage Nursery Building and construction of a two storey (with accommodation in roof) block of 12 flats with associated car parking, soft and hard landscaping (19 residential flats in total)

The application was heard at the 27th March 2012 Central & South Planning Committee. The application was deferred to enable officers to review the issues raised in relation to overlooking in Lancaster Road, parking and for an overshadowing diagram to be provided.

Plans had been submitted, showing 1:1 parking. This had been achieved by reducing the number of units from 20 to 19. Windows had been amended to address concerns raised by Committee. Overshadowing diagrams had also been produced. In light of these officers have sought changes to the scheme which has resulted in improved outlook from and reduced overshadowing to no. 1 Lancaster Road to a satisfactory level. The rear part of the block facing Lancaster Road, closest to the boundary with no. 1 Lancaster Road has been reduced to single storey in height.

The application seeks planning permission to redevelop the Lancaster Centre & Hermitage Nursery site for residential purposes, in the form of a new two storey building fronting the site and the conversion of the Lancaster Centre comprising a total of 18 x 1 bedroom and 1 x 2 bedroom units. In total, 19 units are proposed.

The proposed scheme was considered to be of an acceptable design which would be compatible within the local context and result in an adequate standard of amenity for future occupiers. The proposal would not detrimentally impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers and would provide an acceptable area of soft landscaped amenity space for

the benefit of future occupiers.

Accordingly, the application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the signing of a S106 Legal Agreement.

Members noted that since this item had been deferred a number of amendments to the application had been carried out. This application had been re-consulted and comments had been included in the report.

Members had some concerns with the design of the building and possible future occupiers. The application had a congregated steel roof, obscure windows and aluminium doors. Members commented that this could feel like a ‘prison’. The Head of Planning suggested that if given delegated authority that he could discuss the matter of materials used with the developers. That, presently, there was not a policy which allowed the Council to refuse the application on those grounds. Members could wish to include a condition on the materials. Officers could liaise to come up with a robust list of materials to be used.

Members asked for a condition on balconies and screening to be included, another condition on the materials to be used and informative 13 to be replaced by a detailed condition.

The recommendation for approval was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was unanimously agreed.

Resolved –

That the application be approved as per the agenda, the changes set out in the addendum and the additional conditions to be added.