Agenda item

Site Plan

Demolition of Redditch Trades and Labour Club and erection of 40 units, 26 No.1 bedroom flats and 14 No. 2 bedroom flats

Officers presented the report and explained that the plans had undergone a number of changes since the application was submitted, the main issue being to achieve a final design that was in keeping with the surrounding street scene and nearby buildings.

Officers referred to the relevant policies which supported the density of the scheme given the town centre location, and provided the rationale for a reduction in parking spaces on-site given the accessibility to public transport located close by.  It was noted that County Highways did not object to the proposed parking provision which consisted of 30 spaces including Electric Vehicle charging points.

The application was recommended for approval subject to a section 106 agreement to secure contributions from the developer as referred to on page 37 of the agenda.

Following a late request for a contribution from the NHS, the applicant had consulted a Viability Advisor.  Members were referred to the update report in this regard, and it was noted that a further contribution would not be sought as to do so might affect the viability of the scheme.

At the invitation of the Chair Mr Miles Leyland, the agent for the Applicant, addressed the Committee under the Council’s public speaking rules.

In response to questions from Members officers confirmed that:-

·       Affordable housing had been addressed and was summarised in the comments on page 36 of the main agenda.  Given the re-use of a brownfield site and issues around viability, a lower level of affordable housing (15%) had been deemed to be acceptable.  The 20% discount would be protected by various legal mechanisms and would be re-applied on any future changes of ownership.

·       With regard to the issue of density, this had been carefully considered, but had to be balanced against the developers representations about viability and the benefits of agreeing a scheme that could be delivered.

RESOLVED THAT

Having regard to the development plan and to all other material considerations, that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to GRANT planning permission subject to:-

1.     the receipt of the Viability Advisor’s report; and

2.     the satisfactory completion of a S106 planning obligation ensuring that:

       i.          Contributions are paid to the Borough Council in respect of off-site open space, and equipped play and sport provision in accordance with the Councils adopted SPD.

     ii.          Contributions are paid to the Borough Council towards the provision of domestic and recycling bins for the new development in accordance with the County’s Waste Strategy.

   iii.          Contributions are paid towards Town Centre enhancement in accordance with the Town Centre Strategy.

   iv.          Affordable housing be provided as part of the scheme -  6 affordable units ( 4 No. 1 bed units and 2 No. 2 bed units to be sold with 20% discount).

and

3.     the conditions and informatives set out on pages 37 to 41 of the main agenda.

[In respect of this agenda item Councillor Bill Hartnett disclosed an Other Disclosable interest in that he was a board member of Redditch Co-operative Homes (a division of Accord Housing Association). Councillor Hartnett left the room during consideration of this application and took no part in the debate or vote.]