Agenda item

PERMISSION, SUBJECT TO LEGAL AGREEMENT.

Description of Application: Demolition of existing buildings and structures at No. 306 to 312 Court Road, erection of a 72-bed care home (Use Class Order Class C2) with associated car parking, landscaping and access (Revised description).

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 agent who gave the following responses to Members’ questions:

·  The care home was a private facility with self-funded residents whose care the Local Authority would have no liability for funding.  The average age of residents was anticipated to be 85+ years for an approximate stay of around 3 years, although younger people could be considered for residence where they met the criteria for care.  Care home residents would benefit from access to a private garden secured by a 1.8-metre-high close boarded fence, providing a safe and nurturing environment.

·  The proposed parking provision included separate staff and visitor parking areas with 14 electric vehicle charging points.  Highways Officers had confirmed that the proposed number of parking spaces was correct for the anticipated level of usage.  A robust car park management plan would also be developed to ensure that members of the public did not make use of the car park, including clear signage.  A staff travel plan would be put in place to encourage staff to use public transport where possible and it was noted that some care operators offered a minibus service from key transport hubs for their staff.

·  With regard to sustainability, the scheme would benefit from hidden solar panels and a 185-metre squared green roof.  The potential for rainwater harvesting on-site had been raised by Councillor Simon Fawthrop and would be considered as part of the drainage strategy.  It was proposed to use an air source heat pump in the scheme as it was not possible to undertake exploratory works to identify whether the site was suitable for a ground source heat pump until the existing building was demolished.  Should an air source heat pump be used, a planning contribution would be secured by a legal agreement to reflect the shortfall in carbon reduction.  However, if it was later identified that a ground source heat pump was feasible, this aspect of the scheme could be resubmitted for permission.

·  The agent agreed that a condition be added to fix permanently landing windows overlooking Charterhouse Road to protect the privacy of local residents.  This would be in addition to the existing proposal to fit windows with an obscure glaze.

The Chairman invited Councillor and Ward Member Pauline Tunnicliffe to open the debate.  Councillor Tunnicliffe advised that she and her Ward Member colleague, Councillor Kim Botting were fully in support of the application which would enhance the area and meet an important local need.  Councillor Alisa Igoe observed that the scheme was based on a busy road and junction and queried whether it would be appropriate to seek a Section 106 contribution from the developer for road safety measures.  The Planning Officer explained that Highways Officers had not identified any highway safety issues in connection with the proposed scheme and Councillor Simon Fawthrop further noted that an unrelated road safety scheme was already being developed with respect to Court Road.

Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe moved that the planning application be approved as recommended. The motion was seconded by Councillor Simon Fawthrop, put to the vote and CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED: That PERMISSION BE GRANTED subject to legal agreement and conditions as recommended for the reasons set out in the report of the Assistant Director: Planning.