Agenda item

Description of application – Demolition of existing warehouse and late additions to retail/office building (No.38 to No. 40 Croydon Road), retention and alteration to front façade and internal stair and erection of part 3 to part 5 mixed use development with basement, ground floor comprising two retail unit (Use Class E(a)) and community unit (Use Class E(a)/F) and 61 residential units at upper floors. Associated car parking, public realm and associated works.

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

·  The proposed parking provision was adequate and there was ample capacity for on-street parking.

·  The facility for residential waste disposal could be reconfigured to include collection of food waste.

·  The majority of office space on the upper floors was currently vacant. Evidence suggested that in spite of its existing condition, there was little demand for office use in the area. Consideration had been given to how a flexible office hub could be facilitated.

·  Public toilets would be provided within the community facility but would be managed privately.

The Chairman welcomed the preservation of the Art Deco building and the provision of four affordable housing units. However, the parking provision was less than expected for the area and there would be a large loss of retail space and a complete loss of office accommodation.

While Councillor Fawthrop supported the scheme in principle, he was concerned that the only available on-street parking was outside the shops at Kingsway Parade – an issue which could be addressed by condition. He was also concerned that the community aspect of the proposals would undermine the nearby Assembly Rooms and The Beacon Centre. There was no clause in the conditions relating to renewable energy. On a positive note, telecoms equipment would be re-provided. Housing on the ground floor for people with disabilities would be more beneficial to the community.

Councillor Harris considered the development would be a great asset to the area. The applicant was flexible on use of the community space. Parking was protected in many ways across the Borough and some control could be introduced at Kingsway Parade. Councillor Harris moved that the application be permitted.

Councillor Dean seconded the motion for permission stating that while the proposed parking was inadequate, it did meet minimum standards. The applicant was willing to be flexible on community use. A financial viability assessment had been undertaken and as a result, four affordable housing units would be provided. The major contribution to the housing supply outweighed the loss of office space.

Members requested the following:-

·  A condition be added for the collection of food waste.

·  The condition relating to the re-provision of telecom equipment be amended to ensure the equipment was placed in a more sensitive location.

·  The public toilet provision to be conditioned.

·  Authority be delegated to planning officers for them to work with the developer and agents in regard to the proposed community use unit to ensure that it was a flexible use to include office accommodation (Class E).

In terms of viability, the Development Management Team Leader – Major Developments, confirmed that the Section 106 Agreement would include early and late stage reviews which the applicant had agreed to. Conditions relating to biodiversity would be added to the consent. Discussions would need to be undertaken with the Highways Department in regard to the introduction of ‘pay and display’ parking facilities outside the shops at Kingsway Parade.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO A S106 LEGAL AGREEMENT as recommended and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

It was further RESOLVED that:-

·  A condition be added for the collection of residents’ food waste.

·  The condition relating to the reprovision of telecom equipment be amended to ensure the equipment was placed in a more sensitive location.

·  A condition be added in regard to public toilet provision.

·  Authority be delegated to planning officers for them to work with the developer and agents in regard to the proposed community use unit to ensure that it was a flexible use to include office accommodation (Class E).

·  Authority be delegated to planning officers to discuss the possibility of introducing pay and display parking facilities outside the shops at Kingsway Parade with Highways.