Agenda item

Conversion of existing building and erection of 4 storey block to provide a total of 12 x 2 bed apartments with associated on-site parking and secure cycle storage (resubmission) [Clifton Ward].

Members considered a major full application, submitted by Hearthstead Homes Ltd, for the conversion of existing building and erection of 4 storey block to provide a total of 12 x 2 bed apartments with associated on-site parking and secure cycle storage (resubmission).

Officers requested the addition of an informative requesting the applicant to liaise with the Council’s Sustainability Officer regarding sustainability measures that could be implemented. He also referred to concerns raised at the site meeting regarding materials delivered to the site and problems with off loading in the cul de sac. In order to alleviate any problems Members could agree to demolish part of the existing wall to enable materials to be unloaded on site and the wall rebuilt upon completion or, to suspend the Traffic Regulation Order and residents parking during construction hours for the length of the build. Officers confirmed that the suspension of the TRO was their preferred option and that they would seek to suspend the minimum amount of residents parking adjacent to the site.

Representations in support of the application were received from the applicants agent. He confirmed that, in response to residents concerns regarding vehicular access to the site by construction vehicles that he was happy to liaise with Officers to implement a traffic management plan. He stated that he had worked closely with Officers to refine details of the application to ensure that the proposals responded to the location. He also confirmed that the roof height had been reduced to between 1 metre and 1.2 metres above the existing but that the eaves height was similar to adjacent buildings.

Some Members felt that the roof height should also be consistent with adjacent properties in the Conservation Area but it was stated that properties on the opposite side of the road were of a similar height to that proposed. It was confirmed that there were a variety of roof heights and styles in the area, which it felt, did not detract from the Conservation Area. Concern was also expressed that there were a number of bathrooms proposed without natural light.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report and the addition of the following condition and notes to the applicant:

1.      Prior to the development a Construction Site Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This shall include measures to control site construction traffic and deliveries to and dispatch from the site. Once approved the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in full accordance with the details submitted unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

2.      The applicant is advised to contact the Council's Sustainability Officer Ms. K. Peat on (01904) 551666 for further advice on sustainable measures that can be incorporated in the conversion of the existing building.

3. Attention is drawn to the requirement that the Road Traffic Order in place on St. Peters Grove be varied to exclude the site from eligibility for residents parking permits and to allow for the accommodation of construction traffic and is also drawn to the applicants undertaking to fund this variation to the sum of £1500.

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 Clifton conservation area, the living conditions of occupiers of neighbouring dwelling and highway safety. As such the proposal complies with Policies SP8, SP10, GP1, H4, H3, NE1, T4, T13, L1, HE2, HE3 and HE5 of the City of York Local Plan Deposit Draft and the aims of PPS1, PPS3, PPG13, PPG15.