Issue - meetings

Description of Application - Proposed conversion of existing building and 3-storey roof extension to accommodate Class E commercial space on the ground floor and 30 residential flats on the upper floors. Cycle and refuse storage to be provided at ground floor level.

The Planning Officer gave a brief presentation, 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:-

• Due to the constrained town centre site, it was very difficult to accommodate disabled parking spaces.  Census data demonstrated that car ownership for people in a wheelchair living in a town centre location was relatively low.
• The current empty unit had been marketed for some time and had received approaches from the likes of second-hand stores.  The proposals before the Committee were about sustaining the high street.

The Chairman reported that she had reviewed the application which met what the Council was looking for in planning terms.  The proposed design was in keeping with the existing building and 30 units was about right for the site, although it was regrettable that there were no affordable units.  The Chairman moved that permission be granted.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Fawthrop who expressed disappointment that about the lack of disabled parking and requested an additional condition concerning ridge height.

Councillor Allen noted the emails from Bromley Civic Society that had previously been circulated and expressed the view that the way the original building design had been preserved worked well.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO A LEGAL AGREEMENT 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 concerning ridge height.