Agenda item

Erection of 165 bedroom hotel with public space, landscaping and access [Fishergate Ward][Site Visit]

Consideration was given to a major full application, submitted by Michael Davies, for the erection of a 165 bedroom hotel with public space, landscaping and access.

Updated information was circulated at the meeting relating to the following points, full details of which were outlined by officers and attached to the online agenda for the meeting:

·         Details of alterations made to the scheme, following further dialogue with the applicants, relating to a reduction in size of the entrance feature, cladding materials, set back of the top floor facing Paragon Street, plant room enclosure reduced in height and set back, Kent Street facade lowered in accordance with approved scheme and reduction in rooms to 163.

·         Considered that additional work still required in respect of detailing in what was a sensitive location.

·         Approval now recommended subject to approval of these details prior to the 13 week determination date of 2 February 2012.

·         Details of additional conditions required in any approval.

·         English Heritage now welcomed the height reduction and removal of limestone cladding but reserved judgement on the proposed zinc cladding pending receipt of a sample.

·         Revised plans were also circulated.

A letter received from the applicant’s developers, in support of the application, was also circulated at the meeting. In this their Principal Planning Manager requested members to support the application following extensive work undertaken to resolve the outstanding matters of concern.

The developers representative spoke in support of the application and answered points that had been raised by members at the site meeting. He referred to discussions regarding car parking on the adjacent 270 space site, details of job creation and the funding in place to proceed with the development following finalisation of details.

Members went on to question a number of points including:

·         Community involvement strategy – brief details of which were outlined by officers and the developer.

·         Hotel grading to compliment the adjacent Barbican.

·         Request for additional visitor cycle parking.

·         The previously approved scheme had proposed a step down on the Barbican elevation.

·         Suggested exploration of agreement with Q Park in conjunction with hotel.

·         Further information/sample required of zinc cladding.

·         Suggested delegation of approval of final conditions to Chair, Vice-Chair and Assistant Director, with draft conditions forwarded to Committee for comments.

·         Work place travel plan and effect on air quality management area.

·         Design in relation to close proximity of city walls, including visibility of plant room.

·         Details of pedestrian/cycle route segregation.

Some members continued to express concerns in respect of the over domination of the proposed development on the surrounding area but following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:             That authority be delegated to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee, in consultation with the Assistant Director (Planning and Sustainable Development) to approve the application subject to agreement of the following, prior to 2 February 2012 :

·    Receipt of acceptable plans

·    A schedule of conditions being agreed following circulation of a draft for members agreement .

·    Cladding materials. ^1.

REASON:                  To allow approval of the application prior to the end of the 13 week determination period.