Agenda item

This application sought full planning permission for the conversion of the existing two storey building into 6 residential apartments, two of which would be two beds and the remainder three beds. These would be served by allocated parking spaces dotted around the perimeter of the building, alongside open space dedicated to each unit.

Permission was further sought for the erection of 9 bungalows, with four to the front of the existing building, two at the side and the remaining three at the rear.

Mr Osian Jones, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application.

He noted that his client had managed to secure permission to develop the whole site as was recommended by the Conservation Officer. The former cottage care hospital within the site had generated local interest to be marked as a listed building although this was not of national interest. The proposal was for a high quality, low density scheme for local residents. Mr Jones assured committee members that the applicant had worked closely with the planning and conservation officers to ensure that minimal changes were made to the existing building and that the design was continued throughout the proposed properties. There would be sufficient parking spaces planned to accommodate the properties and there was existing access to the site causing no issues with highways.

The Area Planning Manager noted that the site was on a piece of existing green network. However the Council’s Ecologist supported the scheme due to the provision of the ecology pond and ecology area. The scheme also had the significant benefits of retaining the Building of Local Interest. The proposal also represented the holistic development of the site whereas a previous development only proposed development at the rear, potentially leaving the former hospital building vacant.The development would also offer additional accommodation for the over 55’s which was supported by the local plan policy for the aging population.

Members commended the work of the officers to mitigate any potential issues with the development. They raised questions as to whether the chimney’s proposed on the new properties would be functional or cosmetic, the tennis court lighting and how they would affect residents and the safety provisions around the proposed pond.

The Planning Officer assured members that the pond would be adequately fenced and that the nature of the tennis court floodlights had been assessed and photographs had been provided illustrating the cowl which will minimise any impact on amenity .

On being put to the vote it was, unanimously:

RESOLVED – that in respect of planning application TWC/2019/1043 delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant full planning permission subject to:

A) The applicant/landowners entering into a Section 106 agreement with the Local Planning Authority (item i. subject to indexation from the date of committee), with terms to be agreed by the Development Management Service Delivery Manager, relating to:

i)          Recreation contribution of £9,000 towards refurbishment / enhancement of provision within the neighbouring Bowring Park

ii)  Age restriction of units to residents 55+ years.

B) The conditions and informatives (with authority to finalise conditions and reasons for approval to be delegated to Development Management Service Delivery Manager) set out in the report.