Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of a Pre application proposal for 2 separate planning applications:

(i)  Full application for 2 build to rent residential buildings, (approximately 419 units) with ancillary ground floor active uses, small scale retailing, café/restaurant, bars; from 17 up to 23 storeys

(ii)  (ii) Outline application for hotel use from 16 up to 19 storeys (200 bedrooms approximately) at site bounded by Wellington Street and Wellington Bridge Street (Northern part of the former Yorkshire Post Site)

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report which set out details of a

Pre Application proposal for 2 separate planning applications:

(i)  Full application for two build to rent residential buildings, (approximately 419 units) with ancillary ground floor active uses, small scale retailing, café/restaurant, bars; from 17 to 23 storey’s in height

(ii)  Outline application for hotel use from 16 up to 19 storey’s in height (200 bedrooms approximately) at site bounded by Wellington Street and Wellington Bridge Street (Northern part of the former Yorkshire Post site)

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

The applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel, speaking in detail about the proposal and highlighted the following:

·  Site / location / context

·  Northern part of the former Yorkshire Post site

·  Full application – Two build to rent residential buildings, 17 to 23 storey’s in height (419 apartments including 5 townhouses)

·  Both blocks linked at ground level by a double height glazed residents entrance and reception area. Supporting commercial spaces would be integrated at ground floor to comprise gym, café and retail, alongside plant and bin storage areas

·  Affordable Housing Provision would be delivered by commuted sum in lieu of on-site provision in accordance with Policy H5 (iii)

·  Outline application  - Erection of hotel 16  to 19 storey’s in height (200 bedrooms)

·  Hotel arrival zone – public space and active frontages

·  Hotel to achieve a BREEAM Excellent standard

·  New road to be provided to the south

·  Emerging proposals for landscaping

Members raised the following questions:

·  Welcome the cluster of the building, but buildings in close proximity could cause light issues, materials should be light in colour

·  The Hotel, what was the intended rating

·  Could Members be made aware of the species of trees to be planted

In responding to the issues raised, the applicant’s representatives said:

·  The Architect suggested that further discussions would be taking place with the Planning Authority, but the intention was to use some light colour materials and have overall variety

·  The images presented did not necessarily give a good indication in terms of colour palette or distances, as the spaces between and within the buildings actually comprised a considerable square footage for a City Centre scheme

·  Members were informed that at this stage no operator could be named but there was good interest.  At the outline stage though, the developer was setting the parameter scale to approximately 200-bed

·  The applicant confirmed that the species of trees to be used would be made available to Members.

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

·  The majority of Members were supportive of the scheme, commenting that it was a good design and well thought through

·  Members welcomed the cluster of the buildings, the light materials to be used and emphasised the need for a lot of greenery

·  The intention for the hotel to achieve a BREEAM Excellent standard was welcomed

·  Ensure there was enough light between the cluster of buildings

·  The Planning Officer report noted that affordable housing was to be provided off-site and this option of off-site provision was accepted by Members as being compliant with policy

In drawing the discussion to a conclusion Members provided the following feedback:

·  Members were of the view that the uses proposed were acceptable

·  Members considered the layout, scale and emerging design of the proposed buildings to be acceptable

·  Members were supportive of the approach to landscaping around the proposed building but more information about the species of trees to be used was required

·  Members were supportive of the proposed level of parking provision

·  Members were supportive of the approach to EVCP parking provision currently envisaged as part of the proposal

·  Members were supportive of the principle to retain the digital advertising screen, provided this does not adversely impact on amenity or highway safety, and on the basis that this can  display the time and temperature – as this has become a welcome and popular ‘feature’ over the years

The Chair thanked the developers for their attendance and presentation suggesting that Members appeared to be generally supportive of the development.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the details contained in the pre-application presentation

(ii)  That the developers be thanked for their attendance and presentation.