Issue - meetings

Proposed change of use from Office (Class B1) to Assisted Living Care Beds (Class C2) with internal and external alterations to include a new bin store and access ramp

Recommendations: Approve + Sec 106

RESOLVED: That the application be approved

Proposed change of use from Office (Class B1) to Assisted Living Care Beds (Class C2) with internal and external alterations to include a new bin store and access ramp.

Councillor Bennett left the room at the start of this item and returned following the conclusion of item 9.

Items 8 and 9 were presented together.

Officer introduced the application and noted the addendum which related to brief corrections regarding the Highways section of the report and the conditions.

The lead petitioner attended and made the following points:

• The building in question was poorly maintained, as a listed building within a conservation area.
• The objection was not to an assisted living facility but rather to its proposed location. Vine Lane was a busy road; there was a busy pub at the end; there were concerns over traffic speed; there was no crossing and so it would be difficult for vulnerable people to cross the road.
• It was suggested that 400 vehicles per hour used the road.
• The suggested of an impact statement and CCTV were noted.
• There was no change in the parking in the area. Vine Lane was very congested with drop-offs to Bishopshalt School and people using it as an alternative route to Long Lane.
• The question of a turning circle for an ambulance and electric vehicle charging points were raised.
• This was an historic building situated within a Conservation Area.
• If this application was recommended to go ahead, it was suggested to defer until these points could be addressed.

The design had been scrutinised by both the Council's Heritage Officer and Historic England. Therefore, officers were confident that, subject to conditions, the development would meet policy tests of either preserving or enhancing the grade two building.

Members shared concerns about road safety and accessibility due to the high traffic flow, highlighting the challenges for vulnerable residents and those using wheelchairs. Officers noted there would be electric vehicle charging points and there was a Parking Management Scheme in operation. In its current use as offices the development could generate 86 trips on a daily basis. With its change of use to a care home that number would fall to 16.

Members focused on the need for supported housing, seeking clarification about an assessment of need, to which the officers confirmed that the adult social care team supported the proposal.

Officers clarified that ambulances would be able to enter and exit the site in a forward direction.

Officers’ recommendations were moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, agreed.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved as per officer’s recommendations