Agenda item

Change of use of ground floor office space (Sui Generis) to 'Recovery Hub' community centre (Use Class E). [Micklegate Ward]

[4.57 pm, Cllr Vassie rejoined the meeting. The Chair left the meeting and took no part in the consideration or decision making for the item; the Vice-Chair took the Chair and Cllr Fenton was appointed as Vice-Chair.]

Members considered a General Regulations (Reg3) application to change the use of ground floor office spaces (Sui Generis) to ‘Recovery Hub’ community centre (Use Class E).

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the plans and provided an update to Members that clarified the listed building status and detailed an amendment to condition five to include the sentence, “The premises shall be occupied in accordance with the approved management plan.”  An additional condition was also included, as follows:

Additional Condition - A condition regarding the requirement for an emergency evacuation plan is also recommended:

Prior to the use of the Recovery Hub, an emergency evacuation plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority outlining details of emergency evacuation in the event of flooding. 

Reason: To ensure the safety of users of the building.

Public Speakers

Philip Press, spoke on behalf to the rowing club, objecting to the application on the basis of a lack of consultation.  As the building’s immediate neighbour he questioned why the club had not been consulted.  He raised concerns regarding a lack of information on the management plan and requested a deferral.

Peter Roderick, the Director of Public Health, spoke as the applicant in support of the application.  He explained the purpose of the proposed hub and its importance to public health in the city.  He stated that he had been in touch with the rowing club and that the management plan would be developed with the experienced agencies who would be responsible for the running of the project.

In response to questions, he confirmed that he was willing to work with the rowing club when devising the management plan with the relevant agencies, including the police.  The plans for a café/dry bar were a possibility for the future but not part of the immediate venture.  It had been difficult to find suitable space and facilities in the city centre and the council would receive an income for the use of the building through grants.  West Offices had not been considered as site for the hub.

The Development Manager confirmed that the community centre use class would cover the future plans for a dry bar. Condition four would become enforceable only if required.  He also reported that consultations with neighbours were advisable but not statutory. He confirmed that Aviva and the Perky Peacock were sent letters and the site notice was displayed.  It was reported that the underpass was well-lit, and lighting could be explored through condition.  Consultation with neighbours on the management plan could also be included through an informative.  North Yorkshire Police were a local consultee and their comments should be a material consideration when making a decision.

[5.53-5.58 pm, the meeting was adjourned for the Development Manager to take legal advice.]

The Development Manager reported that should the management plan be breached, a breach of condition notice could be issued to the leaseholder.

Following debate, Cllr Fenton moved the officer recommendation to approve the application, this was seconded by Cllr Baxter.

The Development Manager subsequently outlined the officer recommendation for approval and noted the amendment and additional condition contained in the update.  He also noted the requirement to add a condition to assess the lighting prior to opening the building during the evenings; to amend condition five and devise an informative to evidence the public consultation for the management plan.  It was also agreed to amend condition four to make it more user friendly.  The wording for these additional changes were to be agreed with the Chair and Vice-Chair.

On being put to a vote, Members voted five in favour, two against and one abstention, it was:

Resolved:             That the application be approved, subject to the amendments outlined above.

Reason:               Having due regard to the duty under s.17 of the Crime and Disorder Act, the proposal to convert the building to a Recovery Hub would support the Government’s aim of providing social and recreational facilities and services that the community requires to improve health and social wellbeing as required by NPPF paragraphs 97 and 135(f) and DLP2018 policy HW2. Proposals also satisfy the requirements for sustainable transport in compliance with DLP2018 policy T1 and would not have an adverse impact on amenity in accordance with NPPF paragraph 135 (f). 

[6.10 – 6.19, the meeting was adjourned.  Cllr Hollyer left the meeting and the Chair rejoined the meeting to consider the final item.]