Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional Approval subject to Legal Agreement.

Proposal: Full application for the proposed change of use, raising of the roof, single storey rear extension and alterations to fenestration to provide 12 flats with rear amenity space and onsite parking.

Applicant: Mr Sundeep Saxena.

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 145 to 184.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           A correction to page 156 of the agenda to refer to ‘Residential Amenities’ in the body of the report;

·           Amendment to paragraph 14 of the report to read ‘Affordable Housing Viability Report.

Paul Fishwick, Ward Member, spoke against the application. He was of the opinion that the proposed development had insufficient parking and no visitor parking, which would force residents to park on surrounding highways.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey stated that the surrounding roads were usually dull with on street parking, and the inadequate parking at the proposed development would compound the on street parking issues. Judy Kelly, Highways Development Manager, stated that the parking arrangements at the proposed development were compliant with parking standards as all of the parking would be unallocated and there was therefore no requirement for visitor parking.

Malcolm Richards queried the car parking management arrangements at the proposed development. Judy Kelly stated that the parking management strategy was secured via the management condition, which stated that the parking must remain unallocated and covered details such as access gate operations and signage. Judy added that the development provided 12 unallocated parking spaces as opposed to the 8 spaces required by standards.

A number of Members expressed their disappointment over the number of parking spaces at the proposed development, however referenced that they were in line with the Council’s current parking standards.

Carl Doran queried why the application was recommended for approval when it was contrary to CP15 due to a reduction of office space, and queried why some of the amenity spaces were below standard. Simon Taylor, Case Officer, explained that a previous application regarding this site was dismissed at appeal, and the loss of office space was not considered a reason for refusal at the time and it would therefore be unreasonable to consider it as a reason for refusal now. Simon added that CP15 was intended to protect office space in the main areas of business, and the proposed development site was around 2km from Winnersh Triangle (the main office/business area). Regarding the amenity spaces, Simon stated that due to the difficulties presented in repurposing an office building into a residential building, some areas were smaller than standard. Simon added that the smaller amenity spaces were less than half a square metre, with bedroom and living room sizes being compliant with standards, and as a result it was deemed acceptable.

Carl Doran asked for clarification regarding the small commuted affordable housing sum. Connor Corrigan, Service Manager – Strategic Development Locations and Planning Delivery, stated that the repurposing of office buildings was generally more expensive that a regular development. Connor added that the proposals had been independently assessed by a viability expert, and Officers had accepted the professional opinion.

A number of Members reiterated concerns raised at previous Committee meetings regarding the process of how viability assessments and affordable housing contribution calculations were carried out.

Malcolm Richards queried the low ceiling heights in some of the dwellings. Connor Corrigan stated that the ceiling heights were a matter for building regulations, and so long as they met the minimum standards (which they had done in this instance) they were accepted by Officers as this was not a planning consideration.

RESOLVED: That application 180753 be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 146 to 154.