Agenda item

The application was for the formation of an access road to serve Kingsclear Care Home development (Class C2) following the demolition of existing dwelling (Class C3). (Amended plan rec'd 10/02/16). (Additional information recv'd 12/4/16).

The application would normally be determined under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation. However, it was reported to the Planning Applications Committee at the request of Cllr David Lewis.

A site visit took place at this site.

Members were advised of the following updates:

An email response, with a revised drawing, has been received from the Agent.

The amended drawing indicates details of soft landscaping to either side of the proposed access road and to either side of the new footpath link (where the existing access is to be removed).

In summary, the email indicates:

§    The reference to “emergency” staff accommodation at Paragraph 7.2.3 of the officer report (relating to accommodation within the approved care home under construction (under permission SU/14/0562) at the adjoining site is misleading and this accommodation would be used as permanent accommodation for staff including 3 no. en-suite bedrooms and shared use of staff lounge and kitchen (negating the impact of the loss of the property at the application site). [Officer comment: This would breach the legal agreement for the care home, restricting occupancy to residential care residents, and this accommodation is shown on the approved drawings as “overnight” staff accommodation. As such, this accommodation should be used as emergency or overnight accommodation only].

§    The landscaping can be provided to both sides of the proposed access road and reduced existing access (from vehicular to pedestrian), as shown on the amended.

The Committee received representations from Rebecca Mayne and Lisa Byrne (objecting) and Nicola Thornton (in support).

Resolved that application 16/0038 be refused for the reasons as set out in the report of the Executive Head – Regulatory.

Note 1

It was noted for the record that Councillor Colin Dougan and Councillor Victoria Wheeler knew one of the speakers.

Note 2

As the application triggered the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme, Rebecca Mayne and Lisa Byrne spoke in objection and Nicola Thornton spoke in support.

Note 3

The recommendation to refuse the application was proposed by Councillor Colin Dougan and seconded by Councillor Katia Malcaus Cooper.

Note 4

In accordance with Part 4 Section D paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting in relation to this application was as follows:

Voting in favour of the recommendation to refuse the application:

Councillors David Allen, Nick Chambers, Mrs Vivienne Chapman, Colin Dougan, Surinder Gandhum, Edward Hawkins, Ruth Hutchinson, Katia Malcaus Cooper, David Mansfield, Max Nelson, Robin Perry, Ian Sams, Conrad Sturt, and Victoria Wheeler.