Agenda item

Reserved matters application for the erection of an academic building (Computer Science Building) with access, cycle parking, disabled parking and landscaping, following previous approval of outline application 04/01700/OUT.  [Heslington Ward]

Members considered a major reserved matters application, submitted by the University of York, for the erection of an academic building with access, cycle parking, disabled parking and landscaping (Computer Science Building) following previous approval of outline application 04/01700/OUT.

Officers circulated an update relating to the following points:

• The Internal Drainage Board had no objections subject to the addition of a condition relating to the surface water drainage system;
• Amended plans had been received which omitted the windows to the wc’s, included additional cladding in lieu of curtain walling on two end stairwells and amended the shape of some of the windows near to the atrium;
• An amended list of plans would be required in Condition 1, if approval was granted;
• Highways had no objections subject to conditions relating to the provision of cycle parking facilities and of shower and changing facilities;
• Details of cycle parking provision in relation to staff, students and visitors;
• Confirmed that the planning application for the biomass boiler for the site would be submitted before the end of December 2008;
• In relation to the Highway comments it was reported that the new plan provided for additional cycle parking north of the Theatre, Film and Television Building (TFTV) and therefore no additional spaces were required;
• Comments from Urban Design in which they requested that all external plant was located to the rear of the glazed lantern stairwells away from the roof edge to ensure a crisp finish to the roof was maintained;
• The Landscape Architect had confirmed that the University were flexible on the provision of a more diverse range of apple species and were happy to review the mix via condition;
• Yorkshire Water had submitted an application for a foul pumping station to the west of the TFTV Building and details of the off site foul water transmission was known to Yorkshire Water.

Officers also circulated a sheet of revisions to the table, on page 36 of the report, detailing totals of the built development, which was being updated as the Heslington East development progressed. A booklet of 3D visualisations of the proposed building together with a landscape strategy plan were also circulated.

Representations in support of the application were received from the applicants Planning Consultant who confirmed that this was a key building in the Heslington East development. He stated that this would be a world class facility, which he felt would sit comfortably in its surroundings. He reported that details in relation to cycle parking, landscaping and the biomass boiler had now been confirmed and he requested the Committee to support the recommendation for approval.

Members questioned the following points:

• Details of the panels to be used in the elevations, which were described as fibrous cement panels produced in a range of colours and which would be subject to approval by the Local Planning Authority;
• The types of apple tree to be provided in the orchard.

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

Amended Condition 1: The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following plans:- 023; (9-)l201, D(PLA)A001, D(PLA)A002, D(PLA)A003, D(PLA)A004, D(PLA)A005, D(PLA)A006, D(PLA)A007, D(PLA)A008, D(PLA)A009, D(PLA)A0010A, D(PLA)A0011A, D(PLA)A0012A, D(PLA)A0013A, D(PL)AO18A and SKA 220908I or any plans or details subsequently agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority as amendment to the approved plans.

Additional Condition: The final design of the surface water system from this development shall be dependent upon the final design of the storage lakes being approved by the Local Planning Authority. ^1.

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 principle of the use, scale and appearance of the building, landscaping, transport, sustainability, drainage and constructional impact.  As such the proposal complies with Policies GP4a, GP9, GP15A, NE7, ED9 and T4 of  the City of York Local Plan Deposit Draft.