Agenda item

Construction of a research building, together with associated substation, stores, car parking access and landscaping.

Recommendation : Approval subject to a S106 Agreement.

Construction of a research building, together with associated substation, stores, car parking access and landscaping.

Officers introduced the report and referred members to the addendum sheet that had been circulated.  The proposed building would be used as part of the University's existing Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology.

The application site was located within the metropolitan green belt, however, it was within a major developed site which was specifically allocated for educational uses and accordingly officers did not consider the development to be inappropriate in this case.

It was noted that the project was of particular importance because the research that would be undertaken was directly linked to key areas of economic growth and opportunity outlined in the UK government's vision for the future. There was also a need for the development to be located at the university so that it was co-located with other research facilities.  These benefits were considered to outweigh the limited impact on the openness of the green belt.

Members noted that in respect of parking the proposal would result in the net loss of 100 spaces at the University.  However, the University had provided evidence to demonstrate that these spaces were currently surplus to requirements and therefore no material harm would result from their loss.

Another condition was added to ensure the development be managed in accordance with the University's Site Wide Refuse Management Strategy.  Members noted that the proposals would be retained for educational purposes and not for business purposes.

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

Resolved - That the Council enter into a legal agreement with the applicants under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) or other appropriate legislation to:

1. (i) Secure the restriction of use of the building to:

(a) scientific research associated with or ancillary to industrial production or manufacture,

(b) light industrial production or manufacture of a nature which is dependent upon or gives rise to regular consultation with either or both of the following:

· the research development and/or design staff of the occupier or any company with which the occupier is associated or any company forming part of a group of companies of which the occupier is part

· the scientific staff or facilities of Brunel University or of other scientific institutions or bodies.

This restriction will ensure that the site cannot be used for general industrial purposes within class B1 of the Town & Country Planning Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended).

(ii) In kind Construction Training

2. The applicants meet all the Council’s reasonable costs in preparing the Section 106 Agreement and any abortive work as a result of the Agreement not being completed.

3. That officers be authorised to negotiate and agree detailed terms of the proposed Agreement.

4. If the above Section 106 agreement has not been finalised by 20th. June 2014, then the application is to be referred back to the Planning Committee for determination at the discretion of the Head of Planning, Green Spaces and Culture.

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

6. That the conditions outlined in the officer's report be attached.