Clearance and taking up of existing hardstanding and structures from the site, erection of seven buildings, up to four storeys in height, containing 49 affordable dwellings (Class C3 use), supported living accommodation (Class C2 residential institution use), and older persons day centre (Class E(f)), and associated roadways, car parking, open space and other infrastructure. 

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application. An update report was tabled at the meeting which provided additional information on: contamination; trees; SUDs; transport and management of site.  It also addressed matters arising from the site visit on 23 February 2023 including: daylight/sunlight impact on Allison Court; Block B design; Battle Street; relationship to surrounding buildings; relationship of blocks and boundary treatment.  It recommended some amendments to the conditions, including some renumbering, and an additional condition.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Objector Marie Arndt, Andrew Somerville, planning consultant for the applicant, and Councillor Ennis, as Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

Resolved –

(1)        That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 unilateral undertaking by 30 April 2023 (unless a later date be agreed by the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services) to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the update report, with the substitution of Victoria Park Playground at Hodsoll Road in place of Beresford Road Playground in the Head of Terms for the Open Space contribution;

(2)        That, in the event of the requirements set out not being met, the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to refuse permission;

(3)        That planning permission be subject to the updated conditions and informatives as set out in the update report;

(4)        That the external materials be agreed in consultation with Ward Councillors, particularly in relation to the western walls and Block B;

(5)        That the matters relating to hard and soft landscaping, boundary treatments and landscape management plan, in final conditions numbers (23), (24) and (25), be agreed in consultation with Ward Councillors;

(6)        That, when designing out crime measures as set out in final condition number (37), the possibility of gating the north-south accessway and making it accessible only to residents be considered and investigated, in consultation with Ward Councillors.

(Councillor Emberson declared a prejudicial interest in this item on the grounds of predetermination as she was Lead Councillor for Housing. She left the meeting and took no part in the debate or decision).

(Councillor Ennis declared a prejudicial interest in this item on the grounds of predetermination as he was Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care. He made a statement as Lead Councillor then left the meeting and took no part in the debate or decision).