Decision details

Description of Application - Erection of a 197 spaces parking deck.

The Planning Officer gave a brief presentation, providing an overview of the application and update on the report.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from the applicant who gave the following responses to Member questions:-

• The existing surface level car park would be realigned to provide 195 shared parking spaces with 40 electric vehicle charging points.
• An additional parking deck further than the current proposal could provide more parking spaces. However, a further floor would be level above the existing tree lines and would create disturbance to neighbours on Barkway Drive which did not exist with the current proposal. There was existing accommodation for staff at two locations and staff had indicated that they preferred to leave the site for their rest breaks.
• An acoustic assessment had been undertaken and had passed due consideration. A single deck was being proposed. The deck would be fully constructed off site with in-situ construction estimated to take around 90 days. The foliage around the extremity of the site would also mitigate against noise.
• If approved, the car park would be fully constructed and open by November 2022.

The Chairman reported that she had received an email in support of the application from Councillor David Jefferys, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Committee Member and Ward Member Councillor Joel reported that the total figure of 773 spaces included 51 spaces for the proposed new Endoscopy Unit that had not yet been given approval under Town and Country Planning Acts.  The Council had a policy to allow on-street parking in areas throughout the Borough and the surrounding roads in close vicinity of the hospital. In the view of Councillor Joel, this would not change once the new car park deck had been completed. A number of concerns had been raised by local residents concerning the impact of flood lighting, car headlights and the need to ensure that additional landscaping was provided to the perimeter of the site. The Planning Department were encouraged to take all measures to ensure that the points were fully addressed. Councillor Joel supported the Officer recommendation and moved that approval be granted. The motion for approval was seconded by Councillor Peter Dean.

The Chairman expressed the view that the application would assist with parking provision and reduce pressure on parking in residential roads near the hospital. She therefore welcomed and supported the application.

Councillor Fawthrop suggested that an additional condition for swift bricks and sustainability measures should be included, and it was agreed these would be included in the future endoscopy unit application.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED as recommended and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report of the Assistant Director, Planning.

It was further RESOLVED that a condition be added regarding renewable energy on site to be agreed between the Hospital Trust and Officers.