Agenda item

Demolition of an existing Almshouse complex and erection of 30 residential units (Use Class C3) comprising 20 one-bed almshouse units, two two-bed almshouse units and eight one-bed units for persons of state pensionable age (of which 23 units built to M4(2) standard with M4(3) bathrooms and seven built to full M4(3) standard), with office/meeting room, residents' cafe/social room, ancillary buildings and associated parking and landscaping.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application was approved.

Demolition of an existing Almshouse complex and erection of 30 residential units (Use Class C3) comprising 20 one-bed almshouse units, two two-bed almshouse units and eight one-bed units for persons of state pensionable age (of which 23 units build to M4(2) standard with M4(3) bathrooms and seven built to full M4(3) standard), with office / meeting room, residents' cafe/social room, ancillary buildings and associated parking and landscaping.

Councillor Henry Higgins declared an interest in this item and left the room during the discussion and determination of the item.

Officers introduced the report, which proposed the demolition of existing almshouses and the construction of a new almshouse complex to provide 30 units, including 22 almshouses to be run by the Uxbridge United Welfare Trust and eight one-bed flats intended for open market rental to people aged of a state pensionable age and over. The officers also noted the addendum which highlighted an amendment to the wording of Condition 20.

A petition in objection to the application addressed the Committee, stating that the proposals were too large a development for a small market town, noting that the site was within the Rockingham Bridge Conservation Area. The petitioner supported improving conditions for the tenant, but noted the significant loss of a community asset that was at the centre of the town would significantly damage the local area, with the size and height of the proposed new complex was overbearing and did not take into account connecting properties.

Councillor Judith Cooper, Ward Councillor for Uxbridge South, was in attendance at the meeting and noted that residents were in favour of good quality Almshouses that met the needs of those in need, but were against the development that undermined and harmed the local Conservation Area with the demolition of the existing building a great loss to the community. Councillor Cooper stated that it was a balance of judgement, but asked the Committee to consider a refusal as the benefit did not outweigh the damage to the local community, or a deferral to find common ground between all interested parties.

The Committee agreed that the current proposals enhanced public benefit due to the increased number of Almshouse units and improved access, and noted that although there were issues with the financial viability of the application, this application was a step forward and was an improvement in residential standards for the occupants.

Members recognised the loss of the existing building, but commented that units were not currently accessible and fit for use, so the building no longer served its original purpose. Councillors questioned whether further disabled parking could be provided as only two spaces were currently proposed, as those residents able to get out should be supported in doing so. It was suggested that if further disabled parking was not available, then blue badge holders should be given residents' parking permits.

Officers noted that changed could be made to parking arrangements to provide further disabled parking, and as such, the Committee moved, seconded and unanimously agreed the officer's recommendation, subject to delegated authority to the Head of Planning and Enforcement to review the disabled parking arrangements.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved, subject to delegated authority to the Head of Planning and Enforcement to review disabled parking arrangements.