Issue - meetings

Partial demolition and redevelopment of the former canteen building to provide a new healthcare facility (Class E(e)), nursery (Class E(f)) and reconfigured residential building (Block H) (Class C3) with a commercial unit at ground floor (Class E), including associated landscaping, access, car parking and other engineering works.

(Re-Consultation for submission of amended plans and information. The scheme has been amended from a proposal for full demolition of the Canteen Building to partial demolition of the Canteen Building with partial facade retention)

Recommendations: Approve + Sec 106

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Partial demolition and redevelopment of the former canteen building to provide a new healthcare facility (Class E(e)), nursery (Class E(f)) and reconfigured residential building (Block H) (Class C3) with a commercial unit at ground floor (Class E), including associated landscaping, access, car parking and other engineering works.

(Re-Consultation for submission of amended plans and information. The scheme has been amended from a proposal for full demolition of the Canteen Building to partial demolition of the Canteen Building with partial facade retention).

Officers introduced the application and noted the addendum, which listed an amendment to the Healthcare Facility Delivery Plan Head of Term; an amendment to the Affordable Housing Head of Term; and added a condition of: Prior to the commencement of development, including any works of site clearance and demolition, details of the contracts for demolition works and the Demolition Strategy covering the Canteen Building to preserve the Retained Facades must be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Members noted the planning obligation relating to an NHS organisation using the site. Officers noted discussions with the Integrated Care Board (ICB)/ NHS who were looking forward to utilising the space provided. Officers clarified that the need had arisen from the existing facility within Hayes Town centre having its lease terminated. The existing facility had ground and first floor levels. The ground floor GPs were moving to the Old Vinyl Factory site, which was under construction. The first floor was moving into the Nestle facility. The current site was larger than the old facility and so would also include some out-patient capabilities as well as GP facilities. The proposed healthcare facility was supported by the NHS heath care strategy at both the national and local level. The NHS North West ICB had been independently consulted and had confirmed that they were committed to the scheme and had been working closely with the developer to ensure that the proposed facility was fit for purpose for the delivery of healthcare services.

Members also asked about it not being feasible to re-purpose the existing building without any demolition, and officers noted that after discussions with the NHS, partial demolition was deemed necessary in order for the site to be fit for purpose. In response to Members’ questions, officers noted that there was sufficient retention of the facade to reduce harm.

Members asked about heritage, and whether a plaque or sign would commemorate the historic facility. Officers noted that there was an existing plaque at the site, but not on the former canteen building.

Members asked about the view from nearby residential properties, and officers noted there would be a line of trees before the former canteen building. Members also asked about frosted windows being implemented and officers noted that this would depend on any GP/ NHS restrictions.

Officer’s recommendations were moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, approved.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.