Agenda item

RESOLVED:

1)    That the application be approved;

2)    That an amendment be made to condition 5 to include the planting of pollution absorbing trees;

3)    That an additional condition be implemented with regard to the requirement for automatic switch-off lighting; and

4)    That either a bespoke greywater recycling condition be added to comply with the drainage report, or that a Sustainable Drainage Systems condition be added requiring further details with regard to greywater recycling.

Demolition of existing buildings, construction of new single storey permanent school building to rear, construction of temporary teaching accommodation for part of construction period at ground and first floor levels, new hard and soft landscaping (amended plans 18.02.20).

Officers introduced the application highlighting the site within the Douay Martyrs school campus that the application pertained to and that the site was within a conservation area and adjoined a locally listed building. Members were informed that the development would demolish existing single storey blocks within the school and create a permanent single storey building with a temporary first floor to establish a more fit for purpose development. There would also be a single storey temporary ancillary building.

Members were informed that the temporary first floor development would last for 12 months and would be used to provide teaching space whilst Block A was being refurbished. The works regarding Block A would be subject to a separate planning application that was not categorised as a major development.

The Committee were shown images of the existing buildings that the application sought to demolish. These were seen to be in a significant state of disrepair. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions stated in the officer’s report and the outlined Section 106 agreement.

The Committee were generally supportive of the scheme noting that the existing buildings were no longer fit for purpose. It was confirmed that condition 5 would ensure an environmentally friendly green roof is installed once the temporary first floor development has been removed. It was further confirmed by officers that the single storey temporary ancillary building was also subject to a 12-month lifespan and would be removed within that timeframe.

Members queried the loss of privacy impact on 19 Gilbey Close. Officer’s acknowledged the element of harm from overlooking to the flank elevation of number 19 Gilbey Close but emphasised that this was temporary due to the 12-month lifespan of the first-floor development. Further to this, and in relation to potential light pollution, Members asked for an additional condition regarding automatic switch-off lighting to be installed.

The Committee requested that the landscaping condition 5.1.c be amended to add a requirement, where possible, that planting was to be as pollution absorbing as possible. It was confirmed by officers that this addition could be made.

Greywater recycling was highlighted as an area where an additional condition may be required. It was noted that the Flood and Water Management Officer was satisfied with the drainage report; it was put forward that either a bespoke greywater recycling condition be added to comply with the drainage report, so long as the report covered greywater recycling, or that a SuDS condition be added requiring further details with regard to greywater recycling.

A query was raised regarding condition 16 in relation to whether the cap on pupil and staff numbers represented an increase in the current permitted numbers. It was confirmed that the numbers did not represent an increase however, there were no previous conditions controlling the number of pupils and staff on-site, hence the need for the condition to be included. It was noted that the Schools Team had advised on the proposed numbers for the pupil and staff cap.

The officer’s recommendation, subject to the additional conditions discussed by the Committee and highlighted on the addendum, was moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, agreed.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the application be approved;

2)    That an amendment be made to condition 5 to include the planting of pollution absorbing trees;

3)    That an additional condition be implemented with regard to the requirement for automatic switch-off lighting; and

4)    That either a bespoke greywater recycling condition be added to comply with the drainage report, or that a Sustainable Drainage Systems condition be added requiring further details with regard to greywater recycling.

RESOLVED:

5)    That the application be approved;

6)    That an amendment be made to condition 5 to include the planting of pollution absorbing trees;

7)    That an additional condition be implemented with regard to the requirement for automatic switch-off lighting; and

8)    That either a bespoke greywater recycling condition be added to comply with the drainage report, or that a Sustainable Drainage Systems condition be added requiring further details with regard to greywater recycling.