Agenda item

Conversion of existing vacant offices to 12 no apartments with associated parking, amenity space, landscaping, refuse storage and cycle parking [Fishergate Ward] [Site Visit].  

Members considered a full major application, submitted by Mr Christopher Gillam, for the conversion of existing vacant offices, to 12 no. apartments with associated parking, amenity space, landscaping, refuse storage and cycle parking.

Officers updated that:

• There was a need to amend condition 9 to relate to a turning area on site and the addition of conditions relating to sustainability and method of work statement, details circulated at the meeting;
• A letter had also been circulated from the Police Architectural Liaison Officer in which he commented that window restrictors should be provided on vulnerable windows, security chains and spy holes on doors, restrictions on public access by non-residents together with appropriate lighting;
• Confirmed that as the building was listed the conversion had been dictated by the existing building in order to keep to a minimum the sub division of the original compartments;
• The addition to Condition 14, after the words “Within 2 months” of the words “ or during the next planting season, which ever is the sooner”.

Members questioned the number of parking spaces, positioning of the refuse area, the possibility of installing a non protruding door adjacent to the parking area and including a sliding gate to the single parking area off Fulford Road to match the railings.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved subject to the imposition of the conditions in the report and the following additional condition and amended conditions:

                        Amended Condition 9:Notwithstanding the details shown on the approved plan details of a turning area for the Fulford Road entrance to allow vehicles to leave the site in a forward gear shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local Planning Authority.

                                    Amended Condition 14:       Within 2 months of the first occupation of any dwelling at the site, or within the next available planting season (whichever is the sooner), the new paved and grassed areas shown on Drawing no.BS1616 - PL216 rev A shall be laid out to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority and thereafter maintained for the use of residents unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

15.    Prior to the commencement of the works hereby permitted, a detailed method of works statement shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This statement shall include the precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of the general public, the method of securing the site, the access to the site, the route taken by vehicles transporting the demolition waste from and construction materials to the site and the hours of operations.

                                       16.    Prior to the commencement of development the developer shall submit a "Sustainable Design and Construction" statement for the development. This statement shall include the measures to be incorporated at the design and construction stage in order for the dwelling to achieve an Ecohomes "Very Good" rating or the equivalent standard under the Code for Sustainable Homes.  Prior to first occupation of any dwelling, a further statement shall be submitted which confirms that the dwelling has achieved this standard.  If the dwelling has not reached the required sustainability standard, details of the elements, which have not been achievable, and the reasons for not achieving the standard shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

REASON:                  In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposal, subject to the conditions listed, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to the character and appearance of the Fulford Road Conservation Area, the listed status of the building, the residential amenity of neighbouring property occupiers, transport provision, and the wider character of the surrounding area. As such the proposal complies with Policies   GP1, GP4 (a), L1c, HE2, HE3, HE4, H12, E3 (b), H4a and H5a of the City of York Development Control Local Plan.