Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an application for alterations and extensions to the Woodhouse Lane Multi-Storey Car Park

(report attached)

  Plans, drawings, photographs and graphics were displayed at the meeting.  A site visit had taken place earlier in the day which some Members had attended

  Officers presented the report which sought permission for improvements and maintenance works which were needed to increase the life of the building - which was built between 1968-1970 – by a further 25 years and to accommodate the vehicle and pedestrian movements associated with the arena.  Appended to the report was a schedule of suggested conditions to be attached to an approval

  Members were informed that the works would comprise:

·  removal of the existing stair tower on the southern elevation and replaced by a larger access core incorporating stairs and two lifts

·  a pedestrian bridge spanning from level 3 over the existing level 1 vehicular entry/egress point

·  additional planting on the southern side of the bridge

·  an extension to the external exit ramp on level 12 and closure of the level 8 exit

·  replacement of the entry barrier system with a pay and display system

·  8 additional disabled car parking spaces and painting of pedestrian routes in the car park

·  upgrading of the CCTV system

Additionally improved lighting and signage would be provided, although

 a separate application would be required for the external signs

  Members commented on the following matters:

·  the need to retain the fence on the roof of the car park

·  that improvements were needed to the appearance of the tunnel entrance, with a mural being suggested which related to the arena.  Similarly it was felt that the yellow tiles on the walls adjacent to the pedestrian access were dated and either needed to be replaced or covered with suitable advert hoardings linked to events at the arena, in order to create a positive impression

·  that the hours of opening of the car park had to relate to the timing of events

·  whether the proposed improvements would mean that the car park would meet standards in terms of safety as seen in other, privately owned, city centre car parks

·  the possibility of providing a lighting system above each bay to indicate where parking spaces were available

·  the possibility of using the same colouration on the new tower as would be used on the arena

·  the need for consistent signage with the arena

·  the possibility of planting Virginia Creeper at the base to provide quick screening, colour and interest

Officers, including an Officer from the Asset Management Section

provided the following responses:

·  that the fence on the roof would be retained

·  that improvements to the subway wall could be addressed by the separate highway scheme relating to the arena pedestrian routes

·  that the opening hours would be in line with events at the arena

·  that the improvements were to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles in and out as this was the car park which was expected to be the most used by people attending events at the arena.  The introduction of a pay and display system would prevent the queuing associated with the barrier system and that discussions on the proposals had taken place with the police architectural liaison officer regarding safety aspects

·  although a lighting system to indicate the availability of parking spaces was a good idea, the budget did not allow for this as it was not a core element, although it would be considered in the future

RESOLVED -  That the application be granted subject to the conditions

identified at Appendix 1 of the report and any others which the Chief Planning Officer might consider appropriate