Agenda item

The application was for the erection of an 88 bedroom care home with associated landscaping and planning, following demolition of existing dwelling and builders yard. Access from Chertsey Road. (Additional information recv'd 1/11/16). (Additional information rec'd 09/12/2016).  (Additional Information - Rec'd 10/01/2017). (Amended Plan - Rec'd 16/01/2017).

Members were advised of the following updates:

‘The applicant has circulated an 11 page information document to some Members in support of the scheme. The applicant explains that this information can be found within the submitted planning documents.

Officer comment: This summary document does not contain new information, although some elements are only mentioned briefly in the draft S106 rather than the submitted planning documents. This summary states that the openness of the Green Belt will be maintained with screening from the road and landscaping, and views through the buildings and heights; and, that the scheme will have a reduced impact on openness than the previous scheme. As explained at paragraph 7.10 of the agenda report the applicant has assessed openness against visual impact rather than the quantum of built form, which is significantly greater than the extant scheme.  The applicant also references the lack of alternative sites, however, the applicant did not carry out an alternative site assessment with this or the previous application so this is an unknown factor.

Two additional letters of representation (one with no name/address) in support of the application have been received. The issues raised are that it is an intelligent and thoughtful care home, will enhance the attractive residential community, allow individual needs to be addressed in a sensitive way, will provide a higher level of care than other homes.’

It was noted that some Members felt that the proposal was harmful to the Green Belt, was a large increase in scale, would have potential traffic and parking issues and was an isolating location for the residents of the care home.

Members were advised that the proposal was designed to move away from the institutional look and provision for care homes.  More car parking spaces were being offered contrary to the standard requirement. This was as a result of the developer listening to neighbouring residents’ concerns about parking.

Some Members felt that there was a serious need for dementia care in the borough and this need outweighed the Green Belt issues.

Members were reminded that should they vote against the officers’ recommendation, the very special circumstances to support this decision would have to be robust and clear.

Resolved that application 16/0947 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 Edward Hawkins declared that he had been contacted by residents and the developer.

Note 2

It was noted for the record that:

·     Councillors Conrad Sturt, Pat Tedder and Victoria Wheeler declared that the applicant had met with them and handed them a document.  There was no discussion;

·     Councillor Edward Hawkins declared that he had attended an exhibition and was contacted by several parties in support and in objection to the application;

·     Councillor Jonathan Lytle declared that he had also attended an exhibition.

Note 3

As this application triggered the Council’s public speaking scheme, Victoria Muir spoke in objection to the application and David Driscoll, representing the agent spoke in support.

Note 4

The recommendation to refuse the application was proposed by Councillor Edward Hawkins and seconded by Councillor Victoria Wheeler.

Note 5

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

Voting in favour of the recommendation to refuse the application:

Councillors, Edward Hawkins, Paul Ilnicki, Max Nelson, Katia Malcaus Cooper, David Mansfield, Adrian Page,Pat Tedder and Victoria Wheeler.

Voting against the recommendation to refuse the application:

Councillors Richard Brooks, Nick Chambers, Vivienne Chapman Jonathan Lytle, Ian Sams Conrad Sturt.