Agenda item

Report No: DEV/SE/18/015

Planning Application - 3 storey building with basement level to comprise 16 no. residential apartments (following demolition of existing buildings). As amended by revised plans and documents received on 25 September 2017

Planning Application - 3 storey building with basement level to comprise 16 no. residential apartments (following demolition of existing buildings). As amended by revised plans and documents received on 25 September 2017

This application was referred to the Development Control Committee at the request of the Ward Members (Abbeygate) and because the Town Council objected to the proposal which was contrary to the Officer recommendation of approval, subject to the completion of a S106 Agreement, as set out in Paragraph 83 of Report No DEV/SE/18/015.

The Senior Planner advised that since publication of the agenda Ward Members (Abbeygate) Councillors Jo Rayner and Andrew Speed had further reiterated their objection and concerns with regard to the scheme.

In presenting the application the Case Officer made reference to the objection from Suffolk County Council Highways and stressed that the concerns raised by the Highways Authority had to be taken on balance alongside all other factors in respect of the application.

Speakers:    Mr Tom Stebbing (resident) spoke against the application

Councillor Kevin Hind (Bury St Edmunds Town Council) spoke against the application

Mr Rob MacKay (developer for the scheme) spoke in support of the application

Councillor Julia Wakelam voiced objection to the application; raising concerns with regard to insufficient parking, the design and the lack of affordable housing provided by the scheme.  She proposed that the application be refused, contrary to the Officer recommendation of approval.  This was duly seconded by Councillor John Burns.

Further discussion then took place particularly with regard to the subterranean single aspect basement accommodation proposed as part of the development. 

The Principal Conservation Officer addressed the meeting at this point and informed Members that she had objected to the original scheme submitted by the applicants due to the height and scale of the proposed building, which she considered to be overbearing in respect of the immediate surroundings.  Accordingly, the applicant had amended the scheme to remove a storey and they had, therefore, included basement accommodation in replacement of this in order to continue to deliver a viable project.

Councillor Alaric Pugh voiced dissatisfaction at the proposed basement accommodation and expressed a wish for the Committee to consider an alternative scheme for a taller building which would negate the need for basement accommodation.  Accordingly, he proposed that the application be deferred in order to allow Officers time in which to explore this with the applicant.  This was duly seconded by Councillor David Nettleton. 

Councillor Wakelam, as proposer of the original motion of refusal, stated that she supported the alternative motion of deferment and would therefore withdraw her motion for refusal. 

Councillor John Burns, as seconder of the original motion, also agreed and was content to withdraw. 

Councillor Burns and Councillor Andrew Smith asked Officers as part of the deferment to consider the points raised by Suffolk County Council as Highways Authority in connection with the application; specifically in relation to their comments in their correspondence dated 2 March 2018 and their request for £15,000 to alleviate parking provision concerns.

Upon being put to the vote and with the vote being unanimous, it was resolved that

Decision

The application be DEFERRED in order to allow Officers time in which to engage with the applicant with regard to the scheme proposed, in light of Members’ specific concerns with the basement accommodation element. 

(On conclusion of this item the Chairman permitted a short comfort break before continuing with the remaining items of business on the agenda.)