Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for proposed demolition works and erection of 10 storey building to create co-living residential development.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented an application for proposed demolition works and erection of 10 storey building to create a co-living residential development.

The application was deferred at the meeting held in February 2024 to allow for further consideration of the space and layout provided for the smaller apartments.

Members visited the site prior to the last meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the application included the following:

·  There had been changes to the 4 units at the top two floors of the building which had been of concern due to the amount of floor space that was corridor space.  To achieve a new layout there had been changes to the glazed walling which moved it closer to the roof parapet.  This allowed for the corridor element to be located outside the units and for more internal space inside which would now exceed the minimum 37 square metre space standards.

·  Floor plans were displayed which also displayed storage space.  The apartments would have sufficient storage space in excess of minimum standards.  This was not a strict requirement for co-living but was considered to be positive.

·  Space standards did not differentiate between corridor space and other spaces in a unit.

·  There had not been any revision to the units on the lower floors where there had been some concern regarding size.  More detailed images of the proposed units were shown to show how space could be utilised.

·  Samples of materials to be used had been made available for Members’ inspection.

·  Since the publication of the agenda, a further letter of representation/objection had been received.  There was no objection to the use of the site for residential living but concern with regard to space standards and the characteristics of co-living arrangements.

·  The application was recommended for approval.

In response to questions and comments from the Panel, the following was discussed:

·  Revisions to the apartments on the top floor would move corridor space to the outside of the units but not affect distances for fire safety regulations.

·  The applicant was thanked for acting on the comments previously made by the Panel.

·  Could there be communal storage areas for larger items such as suitcases?

·  It was suggested that the comments in the letter of objection would be more appropriate for discussion at Development Plan Panel.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer for approval subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A and Section 106 agreement to secure the following:

·  Affordable housing off site commuted sum (£742,633 tbc and subject to verification by the District Valuer).

·  Offsite highways contribution (£29,400).

·  CAVAT compensation amount for loss of trees.

·  Mechanism to contribute £20,000 to Traffic Regulation Orders as required.

·  Biodiversity Net Gain matters to be agreed.

·  Bat survey to be undertaken, outcome assessed and conditions agreed if required.

·  Provision of car club space.

In the circumstances where the Section 106 Agreement has not been completed within 3 months of the resolution to grant planning permission, the final determination of the application shall be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer.