Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

A Members’ update was received detailing an assessment of the proposal in light of the recently adopted revised parking standards.

The Committee raised concerns regarding the size of windows and the impact this could have on the quality of life for any future residents.  The issue of a lack of storage for the retail unit and the loss of another large retail unit in a prime high street location was discussed.  However Members agreed that the issue of quality of life was subjective and was a choice the future occupiers would make. Members noted that the proposal included the retention of a retail unit.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that the retail unit would be independent to the proposed dwellings, and that an external side door was for the bin store.

Councillor M R Pearlman proposed that the application be approved contrary to the Officer’s recommendation but subject to conditions.  This was duly seconded.

Councillor I E Dobson proposed that the application be deferred until a site visit had taken place and this was duly seconded.

The Chairman put the Officer’s recommendation of refusal to a vote and this was not carried.

The Chairman then put Councillor Pearlman’s proposal to approve the application, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation but subject to conditions, to the committee.  Upon a vote being taken the application was approved subject to conditions.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1          The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

REASON:  To comply with Section 91(1) The Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

2          The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the

following approved plans and documents: L1, 01, 02 revA, location plan,SK05

REASON:  To ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the details as approved.

3          The development hereby permitted shall be undertaken using the materials set out within the application form/plans hereby approved.

REASON:  In the interest of the character and appearance of the area and the listed building in accordance with policies D1 and D3 of the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

4          No development including any site clearance or groundworks of any kind shall take place within the site until the applicant or their agents; the owner of the site or successors in title has secured the implementation of a programme of historic building recording from an accredited historic building recorder in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out in a manner that accommodates the approved programme of building recording.

REASON:  To ensure that the heritage assets of the site are suitably protected and recorded in accordance with policy D3 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF.

5          Prior to the first occupation of the building hereby permitted, the windows stated to be obscure glazed on plan 02.rev.A shall be glazed with opaque glass and of a nonopenable design with the exception of a top hung fanlight (which shall be at least 1.7m above internal floor level) and shall be retained as such thereafter.

REASON:  To ensure the development is undertaken in accordance with the approved plans and in the interests of the amenities of neighbouring land users. In accordance with policy D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and the NPPF

6          Prior to the first occupation of any of the flats hereby approved, details of the management of refuse collection from the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Subsequently refuse shall only be stored and collected in accordance with the approved details.

REASON:  To ensure the suitable disposal of waste without causing harm to the character of the Conservation Area or the safety of the highway. In accordance with policy D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan.