Agenda item

Conversion of first, second, third and fourth floors from offices to 14no. apartments (use class C3). [Guildhall] [Site Visit]

Members considered a full major application for the conversion of first, second, third and fourth floors from offices to 14 no. apartments (use class C3) from S Harrison Developments Ltd.

In their update to Members, Officers advised Members that if they were minded to approve the application that condition 3 should now read:

·        Clarification on the required energy efficiency requirements (as the development would not achieve BREEAM Very Good).

Details of measures to improve energy efficiency within the building shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to occupation of the apartments and the development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved measures.The details shall be in the form of SAP calculations, which demonstrate the improvements as a consequence of roof insulation and lining to the walls in apartments 6 and 11.

Unless agreed otherwise the development shall incorporate the measures detailed within the BREEAM pre-construction assessment estimator (statement - no further detail is required with regards this aspect of the condition).  

Reason:   To contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, in accordance with paragraphs 6 and 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

They also recommended condition 8 (Hours of construction) be reworded to:

·        No construction work, which would exceed background noise levels at the site boundary, shall take place on site except between the hours of 0800 and 1800 on Mondays to Fridays and 0900 to 1300 on Saturdays. No work shall take place on site on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Reason:  To safeguard the amenities of local residents.

If approved, an additional condition (regarding deliveries) should also be added to planning permission:

·        Prior to development commencing, a method statement to agree the management of deliveries, loading or unloading, in association with construction work shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, and the development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. 

The method statement shall include the following measures –

-       The expected times and frequencies of deliveries, and confirmation that such practice will be monitored;

-       the procedure for informing local residents of the programme of works and for dealing with any complaints;

-       measures to prevent noise disturbance during any such works undertaken, in particular prior to 07.00;

Reason:  To safeguard the amenities of local residents.

Representations in support were received from the agent for the application Mr Gavin Douglas. He felt that the application provided much needed housing in the city centre, was confident that it reinvigorated the building and the surrounding area and that homes with character would be created.

A question about gating on the site was raised by the Chair towards the agent. The agent responded that although this was not part of the proposals the applicant did want the area gated to deter rough sleepers. The Chair suggested that if the Committee were minded to approve the application that an informative be added to planning permission.

Representations were received from a neighbour Mr Martin Bingley. He supported the application for the reuse of Hunter House but also wanted the entrances to it gated. He made reference to comments raised by the Chair in regards to the activities that had taken place in the area and commented that needles and syringes left around were dangerous for families. He added that he did not know of any residents who would object to gates being put in.

Resolved:  That the application be approved subject to the amended conditions detailed above, an informative and  a Section 106 agreement.

Informative:

CRIME AND DISORDER

To prevent anti social behaviour, it is recommended that gates are installed, to restrict access into the rear parking/courtyard area.   

Reason:     The proposed use accords with the thrust of national planning policy, because there are no strong economic reasons to rest the loss of these offices, there is housing need and this is a sustainable location. There would no undue harm to heritage assets, protected species, highway safety and amenity.