Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number and site in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

·  Cllr Sue Craig declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in planning application nos. 21/00738/FUL and 21/00739/LBA – 21 Victoria Buildings, Westmoreland, Bath, BA2 3EH as she was the applicant.  Cllr Craig stated that she would not speak or vote on this application.

·  Cllr Eleanor Jackson stated that she was a member and shareholder of the Radstock Co-Operative Society.  However, the federation of stores of which she is a member has no connection with the Scala site.

The Chair explained that there was one item of urgent business.  The term of office of the current Vice-Chair had expired and it was necessary to fill this position to enable decisions to be made regarding potential committee items. 

It was RESOLVED unanimously to appoint Cllr Sally Davis as Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee on an interim basis.

The Democratic Services Officer informed the meeting that there were a number of people wishing to make statements on planning applications and that they would be able to do so when these items were discussed.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2021 were confirmed as a correct record.

The Committee considered:

·  A report by the Head of Planning on various planning applications.

·  An update report by the Head of Planning on item 1 attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the decisions list attached as Appendix 3 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No. 20/00552/FUL

Site Location: The Scala, Shaftesbury Road, Oldfield Park, Bath, BA2 3LH – Mixed use redevelopment of The Scala site including the demolition of existing extensions and new extensions to improve retail store at ground floor level, provide a new dance centre space (Use Class E) and residential accommodation at first floor (including affordable apartments).  Erection of student accommodation including 92 student bedrooms and associated ancillary space.  Erection of residential accommodation (16 total residential units).  Parking for cars and cycles and associated landscaping.

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to permit.

A local resident and a representative from the Bath Preservation Trust spoke against the application.

The applicant spoke in favour of the application.

Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall, local ward member, spoke against the application.  Although he welcomed the retention of the Co-Op store, housing for long-term residents and community use within the scheme, he had a number of concerns.  These included the proposal to provide purpose-built student accommodation, design, massing, height of the courtyard building and materials.  He drew attention to the already overloaded infrastructure in this area.

Cllr June Player, local ward member, spoke against the application.  She pointed out the large number of students already living in this area which led to an imbalance in the community.  She stated that the area needs residential accommodation.  She expressed concern at the lack of parking provision proposed and highlighted the existing parking problems in the area.  She stated that the residential amenity would be harmed by the proposal.  She also provided statistics to highlight the impact of HMO properties and number of students living in this location.

Officers then responded to questions as follows:

·  Under current planning policies, the proposal to provide purpose-built student accommodation in this location is acceptable in principle.  Recent appeal decisions for the Hartwells and Plumb Centre sites support this assessment. Policy H10 relates to housing mix within the site which is also considered to be acceptable. 

·  The Case Officer felt that there was scope for a contemporary design in this location.  There would be boundary treatment on the ground floor and the windows would be angled to avoid overlooking of neighbouring gardens.

·  A condition would be included to control hours of operation and deliveries.

·  The Highways Officer explained that it would be preferable for deliveries to take place within the site boundary.  Any manoeuvring requiring the vehicle to enter the footway would be undertaken under the supervision of a banksman to ensure safety.

·  Buff brick  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

There were no policy development items.

The Committee is asked to note the quarterly performance report.

The Committee considered the quarterly performance report for January to March 2021.

RESOLVED: To note the report.

The Committee is asked to note the appeals report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED: To note the report.

The Chair, Cllr Matt McCabe, stated that this would be his last meeting as Chair of the Planning Committee.  He thanked members, officers and the Vice Chair, Cllr Sally Davis, for their support and hard work over the last two years.

Cllr Manda Rigby thanked Cllr McCabe, on behalf of the Committee, for all his work over the last two years in his role as Chair, which he had performed with skill and good humour.