Agenda item

The Committee considered:

·  A report by the Group Manager (Development Management) on various planning applications.

·  An update report by the Group Manager (Development Management) 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 4 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No. 16/05348/REG03

Site Location: Bath Quays Bridge, Green Park Road, Bath – Demolition of existing building (Boiler House) and 2 associated arches and provision of new bridge crossing of the river Avon for pedestrian and cycle use, including new public realm on the North and South river banks, landscaping, a new river wall and links to the existing highway network

Item No. 2

Application No. 16/05349/REG13

Site Location: Bath Quays Bridge, Green Park Road, Bath – Demolition of building (Boiler House) within curtilage of listed building (Newark Works and associated arch structures)

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to grant planning permission and listed building consent.  He pointed out one amendment to the report, Policy D8 – Lighting should be given significant weight rather than substantial weight.  A small exception should also be added to additional conditions 19 and 20 set out in the update report.

Councillors Andrew Furse and Christopher Pearce, local ward members, spoke regarding the application.

Councillor Becker, also a local ward member, pointed out the comments made by Bath Heritage Watchdog and the adverse impact the bridge would have on the Conservation Area.  He felt that the proposed bridge would be inappropriate and contrary to the Placemaking Plan and Council planning policies.

Councillor Jackson asked whether there would be measures in place to prevent the bridge from swaying.  The Case Officer confirmed that there would be engineering solutions to prevent this and stated that the bridge would be quite sturdy.

Councillor Organ asked whether the condition of the arches to be retained at the end of the bridge would be improved.  The Case Officer informed the Committee that the arches would be reinforced if investigations showed this to be necessary.

Councillor Crossley stated that this proposal was a move forward for this part of the city and moved that planning permission and listed building consent be granted subject to conditions.  He noted that the design was bold and different and stated that the city needed modern structures as well as historic ones.  He felt that the vista was good and that the development would link the old and new in an exciting and innovative way.  It would be important to ensure that the arches were safe and secure. 

Councillor Kew seconded the motion stating that he was very happy to see this area of the city brought back into use.

The motion was then put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 9 votes for and 1 vote against to PERMIT the application and to GRANT listed building consent subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Item No. 3

Application No. 16/06188/FUL

Site Location: Hinton Garage, Albion Place, Kingsmead, Bath – Demolition of the former Hinton Garage Showroom and Workshop and erection of an Assisted Living Development comprising apartments and integrated communal and support facilities, landscaped residents’ gardens, staff areas, basement residents’ car and bicycle parking, refuse storage and associated infrastructure and services (Resubmission of application 15/05367/FUL)

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to delegate to permit subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.  He explained that the height of the building had now been reduced to seek to overcome the reason for the previous refusal.

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

Councillors Christopher Pearce and Andrew Furse, local ward members, spoke against the application.

Councillor Crossley asked why there was no social/affordable housing provision in the development.  The Case Officer explained that a viability assessment had been provided and subsequently assessed and it was found to be unviable for the developer to provide any affordable housing units.  The development would have large areas of communal space for residents which impacted on viability along with additional costs related to contamination.

Councillor Crossley then asked why there was so much car parking space when this was an assisted living scheme.  The Case Officer explained that the minimum age for residents would be 60, an age when people were still likely to drive and own a vehicle.  The scheme would provide some 61 car parking spaces, 25 bicycle spaces and 23 spaces for mobility scooters.

Councillor Becker asked about the level of reduction of the roof compared to the original proposal.  The Case Officer confirmed that the roof height had been reduced by 2.56m.  For comparison, it was noted that the properties built on the Western Riverside were on average 5 or 6 storeys in height. 

Councillor Jackson felt that the proposal did not fit in with the surrounding area.

Councillor Appleyard had no issue with the height or design but was concerned at the lack of affordable housing within the development. 

Councillor Kew then moved that the Committee delegate to permit the application subject to conditions.  He noted that as this was a city centre location a higher density of development could reasonably be expected.  The development would provide accommodation for a number of people and the modern design fitted in with the Western Riverside development.  He felt that this was an improvement on the original application.  Councillor Organ seconded the motion as the site had been vacant for 2 years and he felt that the development would be an attractive addition to the city.

Councillor Becker stated that residents and local ward members were right to object to this proposal as it did not fit in with a World Heritage setting and was overbearing.  Norfolk Crescent was an elegant design and he felt that the developer should reconsider the plans and bring forward a lower building with more variety of design.

Councillor Crossley stated that he did not feel the proposal respected the neighbouring properties and believed that a solution could be found to meet the needs of the neighbours.  The development was overbearing and did not promote car sharing.

The Group Manager, Development Management, explained that the Council had agreed car parking standards and pointed out that this was not a completely central location.  It was formerly a motor garage so previously had high vehicle numbers accessing the site.

The motion was then put to the vote and there were 5 votes in favour and 5 votes against.  The Chair then used her casting vote in favour of the motion and it was RESOLVED to DELEGATE TO PERMIT the application subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.

Item No. 4

Application No. 16/05520/FUL

Site Location: 57 Warminster Road, Bathampton, Bath, BA2 6RX – Addition of first floor and raising of roof to create two storey dwelling, two storey side and rear infill extension, erection of front porch and erection of single garage with terrace above following demolition of existing garage

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

The registered speaker spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Crossley moved that the application be permitted subject to conditions.  He stated that this was an imaginative scheme with a modern design.  The houses in Warminster Road were all of varying designs so it would not be out of place. 

Councillor Appleyard seconded the motion and stated that it was important to have houses with a contemporary design and that this one fitted in well.

The motion was then put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 9 votes in favour and 1 abstention to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Item No. 5

Application No. 16/06124/FUL

Site Location: 14 Audley Grove, Lower Weston, Bath, BA1 3BS – Erection of 1 dwelling, car parking and associated landscaping in rear garden of existing dwelling

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

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

Councillors Christopher Pearce and Andrew Furse spoke against the application.

In response to an issue raised by one of the public speakers, the Highways Officer gave advice on various issues including the status of land forming part of the development site and the removal of trees. 

Councillor Jackson stated that she felt some issues were still unclear regarding the ownership of the land.  She then moved that consideration of the application be deferred for a site visit.  This was seconded by Councillor Kew.

Councillor Crossley also asked that the issues raised by objectors relating to the protection of newts, toads and frogs on the land also be clarified along with questions regarding the ownership of the land and trees.

The motion was then put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 6 votes in favour, 3 against and 1 abstention to DEFER consideration of the application pending a site visit.

Item No. 6

Application No. 16/05888/FUL

Site Location: 3 Streamside, Chew Magna, BS40 8QZ - Erection of front and side extension to create house access from road level, rear single storey extension and associated works

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

The registered speaker spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Liz Richardson, local ward member, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Organ moved that consideration of the application be deferred pending a sit visit.  This was seconded by Councillor Kew.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 7 votes for, 1 vote against and 2 abstentions to DEFER consideration of the application pending a site visit.

Item No. 7

Application No. 16/06118/FUL

Site Location: 46 High Street, Saltford, BS31 3EJ – Addition of pitched roof and rear dormer to existing single storey side extension.  Minor alterations to existing windows.  Reinstatement of front boundary wall.  Provision of deck to front.  Improvements to off-street car parking

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

Councillor Jackson moved to permit the application subject to conditions.  This was seconded by Councillor Kew.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.