Agenda item

Update on this report attached

Hybrid planning application for mixed use development, consisting of (1) full planning permission for 2 commercial units (B1 and B8 uses) and (2) outline planning permission (all matters reserved except access) for the erection of up to 8 residential units and associated infrastructure

Officers outlined the application and described the access arrangements and proposed layout of the site to the Members with reference to the images included in the presentation.  It was noted that the full planning permission was being sought in relation to the eastern side of the site, being an application for two commercial units of B1 and B8 use with associated parking.  For the western side of the site which fronted on to Studley Road, the application was for outline permission only for up to 8 residential units.  As such the plans for that portion of the site were illustrative only with all matters to be determined at a future date save for access.

It was noted that an earlier application made in 2019 (ref 19/00899/FUL) for a scheme consisting entirely of employment use had been refused on the grounds of unacceptable impact on the neighbouring residential occupiers and the appearance of the streetscene.  The current scheme differed considerably from the previous application in that proposed employment units fronting on to Studley Road had been removed, and this area of the site would now consist of residential units.

With regard to section 106 contributions, Members were referred to the Update Report and the clarification that contributions sought from the developer were linked to the employment use and not to the residential units.  Members were also referred to the amendment to the recommendation detailed on page 1 of the Update Report.

Mr Gary Moss, agent for the applicant, addressed the Committee under the Council’s Public speaking rules.

In debating the application Members referred to a number of matters including the condition to control lighting (Condition 17), access, future configuration of the 8 residential units and the proposed roof height of Unit 1.

Officers from County Highways confirmed that the access to the site had been fully assessed and found to be suitable for HGV movements and refuse vehicles.  There were no issues arising from the fact that access would be shared by residential users and employment users.  The configuration of the 8 residential units might change at reserved matters stage, but the number of units could not increase above 8.

RESOLVED that

Having regard to the development plan and to all other material considerations, authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to grant Full Planning Permission (commercial) and Outline Permission (residential) subject to:

(a)  The satisfactory completion of a S106 planning obligation ensuring that:

·         Contributions arising from the employment element of the proposed development are paid to Worcestershire County Council to support Active Travel Infrastructure and to improve the existing bus stops closest to the applications site, and

·         S106 monitoring fees are paid to the Borough Council.

And

(b)  The conditions and informative listed on pages 13 to 26 of the Agenda.