Agenda item

This application was for the erection of a 72no. bed extra care home with associated open space, landscaping, car/cycle parking, service infrastructure (drainage, highway, lighting) and engineering operations on the site of former Stirchley Recreation Centre, Grange Avenue, Stirchley, Telford, Shropshire.

The application was before Planning committee as this was a major application and the Council was the current landowner.

The Planning Officer informed Members that this was a revised scheme from that approved in May 2022 and following a feasibility study in relation to constructional costs that an increase of bed numbers from 67, to 72 was required, the solar panels had been omitted and balconies amended to Juliet style, amongst other minor changes primarily relating to material changes.   In relation to car parking, an increase in staff led to three extra spaces being required.  There were no objections from highways or other technical consultees.  Within the courtyard, the scheme had 21 parking spaces with four EV charging points.  The changes were not significantly different from the previous application and it was before Members for approval.

During the debate some Members raised concerns in relation to the storage of scooters, overlooking of the nursery, insufficient parking and the impact on Grange Avenue and the existing car park, during the construction period.  Other Members felt that this was a good news story.

The Planning Officer confirmed to Members that the scooter storage was an operational matter and not a planning consideration.  The applicant had come to an agreement for all contractors to park their vehicles on the car park to the south of the site, which would not impact the leisure centre car park – no construction traffic should utilise the existing car park. The Planning Officer confirmed that the site had provided sufficient car parking. 21 spaces are located within the courtyards and the remainder to be located within the existing Leisure car park; to which they have a right to access and utilise for parking. Car park surveys undertaken last year, at times agreed with the School, confirmed that there would be adequate capacity to accommodate the development.  In relation to overlooking of the nursery, the development had been moved 1m further away than the previously approved scheme, which was an enhancement and the extant permission could allow the applicant to build if they wished.

Upon being put to the vote it was by a majority:-

RESOLVED – that delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant full Planning Permission

(with the authority to finalise any matter including conditions, legal agreement terms, or any later variations) subject to the conditions contained within the report (with authority to finalise conditions and reasons for approval to be delegated to Development Management Service Delivery Manager).