Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for alterations and extensions to form additional 41 bedrooms to existing student accommodation, including partial cladding, car parking and associated cycle and bin stores

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented an application for alterations and extensions to form additional 41 bedrooms to existing student accommodation including partial cladding, car parking and associated cycle and bin stores at Mary Morris House, 24 Shire Oak Road, Headingley.

Members attended a site visit prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to during the discussion of the application.

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

·  The application had been referred to the Panel due to a high level of local interest.

·  Proposed improvements to the existing buildings including replacement windows.

·  Current access arrangements to the site would remain.

·  Layout of the flats was shown.

·  There would be a 5 storey extension to the rear with a steel cladding finish.

·  It was proposed for there to be a 24 hour contact arrangement for local residents in case of any concerns.

·  There would be a Section 106 agreement for mitigating highways measures if required.  There would also be a greenspace contribution.

A local resident addressed the Panel with concerns regarding the application.  These included the following:

·  The character of the student accommodation had changed since it was operated by a charitable trust and aimed at overseas students.  There was now more disruption in the area from students.

·  It was felt that the saturation of student accommodation in the area was contrary to planning policy.

·  It was felt that the proposals for management of the premises were insufficient and that there should be live in student wardens.

·  It was requested that the application be deferred to develop the management plan which should include a live in manager and consultation with local residents.

·  Noise disturbance late at night and in the early hours of the morning.

The applicant’s representative addressed the Panel.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  The application had been amended from an original proposal which would have created an additional 177 bedspaces.

·  The applicant could extend by up to 20 bedspaces without seeking planning permission.  With the proposed extensions there would be a further 41 bedspaces in total.

·  All proposed bedrooms exceeded minimum guidelines for size.

·  There would be a management plan to cover control of the use of the building and the applicant would be willing to consider the inclusion of a 24 hour on site warden to respond to complaints.

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

·  Parking arrangements – there would be one parking space per every four students which was an improvement on the current situation.

·  Concern regarding the cladding finish to the building – it was suggested that Ward Members be consulted.

·  Concern regarding parking directly outside ground floor bedrooms.

·  Concern regarding existing issues in the area such as problems with parking, litter, disturbance and the need for more family housing.

RESOLVED – That the application be approved as per the officer recommendation and conditions outlined in the report,  Also the following conditions:

·  Inclusion of onsie management plan and this to include a 24 hour on site Warden/Supervisor to respond to resident’s complaints.  This should clearly include contact details and methodology of proposed response to issues that might arise.  Also communications strategy with residents regarding planned events.

·  Discussion with Ward Members regarding external materials of refurbishment, in particular the cladding system.

(Councillor J Akhtar requested that his vote against the decision to recommend this application be recorded)