Issue - meetings

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/22/2321/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to a suitable legal agreement and subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report.

The Planning Officer highlighted the location of the site and presenting a series of elevation drawings for the existing care home and the plan drawings for the replacement 52 bedroomed care home. He summarised the key features of the application and set out in detail the main issues for Members to consider when determining the application.

Philip Bond addressed the committee in objection to the application. Tom Edmunds and Ben Garlick spoke for the application. Councillor Williams addressed the committee in respect of his concerns as the local ward Member.

Councillor Devonshire asked what would happen to the residents in the care home during the construction phase. The Planning Officer confirmed that the care home was sitting empty on his most recent visit a week ago.

Councillor Estop said that there was a conservation issue in respect of the relationship to the listed building. She referred in particular to the materials of the listed building. The Planning Officer summarised the materials in place at Highfield Lodge, which were very similar to the existing care home. Councillor Stowe said that he observed a slate roof, and bricks were of a type that was made locally.

Councillor Stowe said that regarding conditions 7 and 16, would this include using some of the demolition materials back on the site where possible. The Planning Officer said that condition 7 would be more related to reusing materials as this matter had to be agreed with the County Council waste team. Members were advised condition 16 was more to do with the proper disposal of materials so that they were disposed of in an ad hoc manner.

Councillor Hill asked for was given some clarity in respect of the advantages of the new care over the old one that was due to be demolished. The Planning Officer answered a number of questions from Members in respect of conditions.

Councillor Watson asked about the considerations in respect of angled windows, obscured glazing, and the issue of overlooking. The Planning Officer said that trees were already planted within Highfield Lodge and the windows were facing towards the rear of the site and were facing away from the overlooking towards the private amenity area.

Councillor Carter commented on condition 36 and swift bricks and the suggestion from various wildlife organisations that this should be strengthened so that details of integral swift bricks and bat boxes were provided before any above ground development took place.

The Interim Team Leader (Strategic Applications Team) that it would be reasonable to request that details of integral swift bricks prior to commencement of above ground development. He said that Officers were looking at a set of words that might require them to be constructed prior to the construction of the roof level.

Councillor Copley asked about  ...  view the full minutes text for item 380