Agenda item

Change of use of existing building from office (Use Class B1(a)) to Hotel (Use Class C1), including 4-storey side extension (to rear of adjacent petrol station), and 4-storey rear extensions, and associated amendments to landscaping and car parking.

Recommendation : Approval, subject to a S106 Agreement.

Change of use of existing building from office (Use Class B1 (a) to Hotel (Use Class C1), including 4-storey side extension (to rear of adjacent petrol station), and 4-storey rear extensions, and associated amendments to landscaping and car parking.

Officers introduced the report and referred members to the addendum sheet that had been circulated. 

Members discussed the application and requested a condition be added to ensure that the development did not compromise the underground railway tunnels.  Members also requested that amendments to condition 2a and 2f were made in respect of refuse storage (which should be covered and secure) and external lighting for the car park.

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

Resolved – That  delegated  powers  be  given  to  the  Head  of  Planning,  Green  Spaces  and Culture to grant planning permission subject to the following conditions:

A) That the Council enters into an agreement with the applicant under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and/or other appropriate legislation to secure:

1.  Highways:  to  secure  all  necessary works  and  the  provision  of  a  Travel  Plan, including Sustainable Transport Measures (such as a hopper bus service).

2.  Construction Training:  either a financial contribution, or an in-kind scheme delivered during the construction phase of the development, should be secured (in either event the 'obligation' should be delivered equal to the formula of £2,500 for every £1 million build cost).

3. Air Quality:  in line with the SPD and given the site is located in an air quality management area then a contribution in the sum of £25,000.

4. Project Management and Monitoring Fee: a financial contribution equal to 5% of the  total  cash  contributions  towards  the  management  and  monitoring  of  the resulting agreement.

B) That in respect of the application for planning permission, the applicant meets the Council's reasonable costs in preparation of the Section 106 and any abortive work as a result of the agreement not being completed.

C)  That  officers  be  authorised  to  negotiate  and  agree  the  detailed  terms  of  the proposed agreement and conditions of approval.

D) That if any of the heads of terms set out above have not been agreed and  the S106 legal agreement has not been finalised before 17/12/2013, or such other date as agreed by the Head of Planning, Green Spaces and Culture, delegated authority be  given  to  the Head  of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces  to  refuse  planning permission for the following reason:

'The  applicant  has  failed  to  provide  contributions  towards  the  improvement  of services  and  the  environment  as  a  consequence  of  demands  created  by  the proposed  development  (in  respect  of  construction  training  and  air  quality).  The proposal  therefore  conflicts  with  Policy  R17  of  the  adopted  Local  Plan  and  the Council's Planning Obligations SPD and Air Quality SPG.'

E) That subject to the above, the application be deferred for determination by the Head of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces under delegated powers, subject to the completion of the legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and other appropriate powers with the applicant.

F) That the conditions outlined in the officers’ report and changes in the addendum be imposed.