Agenda item

Three storey building with associated basement to provide 3 x 4-bed self contained supported living flats with associated parking.

Three storey building with associated basement to provide 3 x 4-bed self

contained supported living flats with associated parking

Officers introduced the report and provided the Committee with an overview of the application. 

Officers highlighted the changes set out in the addendum and in particular drew the Committees' attention to the withdrawal of the word 'ambulance' throughout the report and the comments of the access officer. Officers also confirmed the proposal was not contrary to H10.

In accordance with the Council's Constitution, a representative of the petitioners objecting to the proposal addressed the meeting and made the following points:

·         The size of the proposed extension was too large and out of character with the area and that it would have an adverse impact on residents.

·         The design and form of the development would result in incongruous roof forms, which were out of keeping in the area

·         The proposal would give rise to overlooking issues.

·         The removal of trees was unnecessary.

·         The business use of the proposal meant that 30 staff were required as it was a high dependency facility. This would create parking problems locally.

·         Service vehicles would also create pressures on local roads.

·         The proposal was situated in a cul-de-sac which had not been designed to accommodate the anticipated form of use.

The applicant raised the following points:

·         The proposal sought to meet the needs of vulnerable adults with specific needs.

·         The proposal met all the necessary standards, including the highways one in relation to car parking.

·         A transport impact assessment had been submitted and proposal site was located 100 metres from a bus route.

·         Vehicular access was good and the site was not located in a high incident area.

·         The general character of the area had changed over the last 15 years and so the design was not out of keeping with the area.

·         The proposal met waste management, flood and drainage standards.

·         The proposal was a high level design which would meet a specific need.

Officers explained the proposal would provide assisted living flats, incorporating new vehicular access and associated car parking. An area of soft landscaping would be retained within the rear of the site, which could be utilised as communal amenity space.

While not objecting to the principle of the development, the Officer report stated the refusal reasons included siting, size, scale, bulk and massing. The proposal was also deemed to be an incongruous and intrusive form of overdevelopment which was incompatible with the street scene and wider area. Additional reasons for refusal included insufficient parking and cycle storage facilities.

Discussing the application, the Committee sought further clarification on the amount of car parking available and the size and scale of the development. In  response, Officers confirmed the proposed provision of 6  car parking spaces for the number of residents  and staff was considered to be unacceptable and due to the size and scale of the development, it was considered to be out of character with the surrounding area.

On this basis the recommendation for refusal was moved, seconded and, on being put to the vote, was unanimously agreed. 

Resolved -  

That the application be refused for the reasons set out in the officer's report.