Agenda item

Recommended for Approval

Mr Kirby addressed the Committee in support of the application.  Councillor M Pope addressed the Committee as a local ward Member.

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that, subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement, in respect of application 3/15/0561/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the previous report dated 14 September 2016.

The Head summarised the application and detailed the relevant planning history.  Members were advised that despite meetings between the applicant and the two adjoining landowners there had been no agreement regarding access to the site for car parking.

Members were advised that the applicant was unable to include car parking within the unit as there was no right of way agreement and this would also make the development unviable by limiting the retail floor space and limiting the viability and vitality of the local shopping centre.  The applicant had stated that the flats would not reduce the car parking available for the shops and Officers were aware that Members had previously expressed concerns about this.  

The Head reminded Members that the parking spaces for the shops were covered by 20 minute waiting restrictions whilst the shops were open.  Officers felt that the scheme would improve the appearance of the site, the retail offer at Amwell End, and also help with the Authority demonstrating a 5 year supply of housing land.

The Head concluded that this was a highly sustainable site close to the train station and other town centre amenities.  Officers felt that on balance, the scheme should be supported subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

Councillor J Goodeve referred to the lack of dedicated cycle storage.  Councillor D Andrews commented on the unrealistic expectation that 10 residential units would not create a demand for car parking.  He queried the speaker’s point that deliveries to the shops worked well when he was aware that Amwell End was often gridlocked with cars parked on pavements on both sides of the road.  He concluded that he was supportive of the application with considerable misgivings.

Councillor M Freeman felt that potential buyers would know the situation before buying and the lack of parking would suit the way of life of those who did not drive and relied on public transport.  Councillor D Oldridge stressed that Officers had done what they could with the developer to achieve car parking on site.  He concluded that the development would not severely impact on the area and would significantly improve the look and feel of Amwell End and regenerate the area as the former night club was an eyesore.

A number of Members continued to debate the issue of car parking and the positive and negative impacts of the application on Amwell End.  The Head advised that there was cycle provision for 20 bikes proposed within the building.  Members were advised that the site was close to public transport and close to options for sustainable transport measures available within the town centre. 

The Head confirmed that the reference to ‘car free’ was a planning term that meant ‘car parking free’.  There were many examples of this in town centres and it worked well for smaller schemes.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the Committee accepted the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that, subject to the completion of a legal agreement, in respect of application 3/15/0561/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the previous report dated 14 September 2016.