Agenda and minutes

The Chairman will ask the Committee Administrator to draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

The Democratic Services Officer read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Sue Craig.  Cllr Rob Appleyard attended as substitute.

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.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no urgent business.

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 28 July 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2021 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The following applications will be considered in the morning session (from 11am):

·  20/03071/EFUL – Dick Lovett (Bath) Ltd, Wellsway Garage, Lower Bristol Road, Westmoreland, Bath

·  20/03166/FUL – Regency Laundry Service, Lower Bristol Road, Westmoreland, Bath

·  20/02399/FUL – 110 West Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath, BA2 3QB (Note: This application will be considered in the morning session if time permits, otherwise it will be considered in the afternoon session).

The following applications will be considered in the afternoon session (from 2pm):

·  21/01200/OUT – 2 Ellsbridge Close, Keynsham, BS31 1TB

·  20/04949/FUL – 97-101 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BW

·  20/02476/VAR – The Nest, 7 Bladud Buildings, Bath

·  21/02584/FUL – St Andrews, Old Lane, Farmborough, Bath

·  21/02181/FUL – Archway Cottage, Bath Road, Tunley

The Committee considered:

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

·  An update report by the Head of Planning on items 2, 5, 6 and 8 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. 20/03071/EFUL

Site Location: Dick Lovett (Bath) Ltd, Wellsway Garage, Lower Bristol Road, Westmoreland, Bath – Demolition of existing buildings and mixed-use redevelopment of the site comprising the erection of residential units (Class C3); erection of purpose-built managed student accommodation (Sui Generis); flexible commercial floorspace (Class E); associated parking; landscaping; improvements to the public realm; and new vehicular access from Lower Bristol Road.

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to refuse.

A representative from the Bath Preservation Trust spoke against the application.

The agent and applicant spoke in favour of the application.

Cllr June Player spoke against the application.  She expressed concern about the lack of parking, the bulky and dominant nature of the proposed building and overdevelopment of the site.  She was also concerned that the development could lead to the loss of Bath’s World Heritage status.  She highlighted the cumulative impact of the development which would lead to further noise and pollution in the area along with the tunnelling effect of so many tall buildings.

The Case Officer then responded to questions as follows:

·  Parking facilities would be available to residents of the buildings if they paid an additional charge.

·  There would be a single access point to the site and two loading bays for deliveries.

·  Residents in this development could be excluded from any future residents’ parking scheme in the area.

·  The package of measures proposed to mitigate the low levels of parking provision are considered to be insufficient.

·  The site is located within the Western Riverside allocation which means that a 6-storey building would be acceptable.

·  Blocks 3 and 4 have outline planning consent.  The committee refused a previous application for the site which is currently subject to appeal.  If this application is approved, then it is likely that the appeal will be withdrawn.  However, members should consider this application on its own merits.

·  Officers feel that the number of units quoted within the report are feasible.  There will be an acceptable housing mix across the whole area.

·  Some existing trees will be retained, and some additional street trees will be provided.

·  An air quality study has been undertaken and officers feel that the concerns regarding a tunnelling effect have now been addressed.

·  The development should be completed within five years.

Cllr Jackson stated that, although ideally people would walk or cycle, in reality, some of them will have cars.  She moved the officer recommendation to refuse.  This was seconded by Cllr Hughes.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED to note the report.