Agenda item

The Committee considered

·  A report by the Development Manager on various applications for planning permission etc.

·  An Update Report on Item Nos. 1-3 and 5, a copy of which is attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc. on Item Nos. 1, 2 and 4, a copy of the Speakers List being attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes

RESOLVED that, in accordance with their delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the Decisions List attached as Appendix 4 to these Minutes.

Items 1&2 Sawclose Car Park, Bath – (1) Erection of hotel (C1), 2 restaurants (A3) and casino (Sui Generis), alterations works to listed buildings (Gala Bingo Club, Market and Bluecoat House boundary walls) and associated hard landscaping works following the demolition of unlisted buildings (former clinic, former weighbridge kiosk, Regency Garage and Nos. 1-2 Bridewell Lane)(Ref No. 13/04234/EFUL); and (2) alterations to Gala Bingo Club comprising demolition of north and east extensions; removal of internal balcony/gallery, pay box, toilets and platform lift; internal structural alterations including construction of new concrete floors at first floor level supported on new columns; associated works. Alterations to the market comprising removal of rear walls, lobby, bar and canopy, partition walls and staircases; structural alterations including new walls, timber floors at first and second floor, stairs and lift, fire protection works. Alterations to Bluecoat House boundary walls comprising substantial removal of west and east walls, removal of north wall (Ref No. 13/04231/LBA) – The Case Officer reported on these applications and her recommendations to grant permission/consent. She referred to the Update Report which informed of the receipt of further representations, the Officer’s assessment and revised conditions on Item 1. She stated that further representations had been received on the design and from disabled users and English Heritage supported the proposals. The application for planning permission would not need to be referred to the Secretary of State.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the applications.

Councillor Manda Rigby opened the debate as one of the Ward Members on the Committee. She considered that the reasons for deferral on design grounds had been addressed and the scheme was now acceptable. She therefore moved the Officer recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Doug Nicol.

Councillor Brian Webber, as the other Ward Member on the Committee, stated that, despite the design not being individualistic, the scheme was very satisfactory and the Sawclose needed regeneration. He felt that the disabled users’ observations needed to be taken up by Officers.

Members debated the motion. There was disappointment expressed by some Members regarding the design although the Bridewell Lane elevation was complimented. The scheme was lacking a main feature such as a fountain and some landscaping. It was commented that the adjoining Royal Mineral Water Hospital could be moving in a couple of years which would remove anxiety by disabled users relating to the loss of the existing car park.

Members continued to discuss the design which found favour with some Members. The Chair stated that he supported the casino use but not the design. The Condition limiting use of the terrace gave him concern and he felt that it should be removed as it was not enforceable. The mover and seconder agreed and the amended motion was put to the vote. Voting: 8 in favour and 4 against with 1 abstention. Motion carried.

Item 3 Weston All Saints Ce Vc Primary School, Broadmoor Lane, Upper Weston, Bath – Provision of new 6 classroom teaching block and associated external works – This application was withdrawn and was not considered.

Item 4 No 153 Newbridge Hill, Bath – Erection of new dwelling on land at the rear of Nos. 153/155 Newbridge Hill (Resubmission) – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to refuse permission.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the application. The Ward Councillors Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst and Caroline Roberts made their statements for and against the proposals respectively.

Councillor Bryan Organ could see no problem with the application and moved that the Officer recommendation be overturned and permission granted. In support, he stated that the site was big enough and had an existing access. There had been a large extension approved at the rear of the Nursing Home a short distance along this side of the road. This proposal would not create any noise issues. The motion was seconded by Councillor Liz Hardman.

Members debated the motion. Councillor Nigel Roberts considered that the rear gardens provided an attractive open space and this proposal would destroy the setting of the substantial town houses on this side of Newbridge Hill. It would set a dangerous precedent to allow this development and would go against the Inspector’s appeal decision to dismiss the appeal. Some of these comments were supported by other Members in their remarks.

The Chair summed up the debate and put the motion to the vote. Voting: 4 in favour and 7 against. Motion lost.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson therefore moved the Officer recommendation to refuse permission which was seconded by Councillor Nigel Roberts. The motion was put to the vote and was carried, 7 voting in favour and 4 against.

Item 5 Patone, Huddox Hill, Peasedown – Erection of 2 single storey dwellings and garages – The Planning Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to refuse permission. The Update Report contained comments on a further representation that had been received.

The Ward Councillor Nathan Hartley made a statement in support of the application.

Councillor Les Kew had requested that this application be referred to Committee and therefore opened the debate. He could see no reason to justify refusal of the application. The site was within the housing boundary, there was good access and there was no highways objection. He therefore moved that the application be delegated to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions which was seconded by Councillor Eleanor Jackson.

Members expressed their approval of the scheme and the Chair put the motion to the vote which was carried, 10 voting in favour and 0 against with 1 abstention.

Items 6&7 Sunday Cottage, Access Road to Paglinch Farm, Shoscombe – (1) Alterations to an existing ancillary outbuilding to form an ancillary garden studio and store (Ref No. 14/00064/FUL); and (2) internal and external alterations to an existing ancillary outbuilding to form an ancillary garden studio and store (Ref No. 14/00065/LBA) – The Case Officer reported on these applications and the recommendations to grant permission/consent.

Councillor Les Kew considered that these proposals were acceptable and therefore moved that the applications for planning permission and listed building consent be granted which was seconded by Councillor Bryan Organ.

The motions were put to the vote and were carried, unanimously.