Application Number: 19/P1675                  Ward: Dundonald

Officer Recommendation: Grant Permission subject to conditions and S106 legal agreement

PAC Resolved that Application 19/P1675 is: Refused Planning Permission. Reasons will be detailed in the Minutes

Proposal: Scheme B - demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of site to provide  office space and residential units in buildings of two to seven storeys, comprising 124 self-contained flats, car and cycle parking, vehicle access, landscaping, plant and associated works. 

The Committee noted the officer’s report and presentation and additional information in the Supplementary Agenda- Modifications

In reply to Members’ questions, Officers made points including:

·         The previously allowed scheme had blocks that dropped down at either end, this scheme has a more uniform height

·         There is an additional floor to Block C, compared to the previously allowed scheme

·         There is no requirement for affordable housing, according to the results of the viability assessment

Members commented that the additional Bulk and Massing of this scheme would have a negative visual impact. Members were concerned that the housing mix of this scheme did not include any 3 bedroomed units,  and that the sustainability measure were not as they would expect for such a scheme.

RESOLVED

The Committee voted to:

1.      REFUSE Planning Permission for the following reasons:

·         Inappropriate housing mix, specifically the lack of 3 bedroomed units, with reference to the LBM Housing Officers comments at 7.3.11 and 7.3.12 of the Officers Report

·         Sustainability credentials not satisfactory, with Reference to the LBM Climate Change Officers comments at 5.8 of the Officers Report

·         Bulk and massing – the proposal would give a greater sense of enclosure  within the development and would impact on the public realm

2.    DELEGATE to the Director of Environment & Regeneration the authority to make any appropriate amendments in the context of the above to the wording of the grounds of refusal including references to appropriate policies