Agenda item

The application was for alterations to existing buildings and landscape; demolition of Biology East; construction of a three storey collaboration hub and link building; landscaping; creation of footpaths; associated infrastructure and other works.

Members were advised of the following updates on the application:

“UPDATE 

Correction to page 9 of the agenda: The applicant is UCB Celltech (UCB)

Conditions

Condition 3 (Materials) amended to read:

Prior to construction, alteration and extension works relating to the Collaboration Hub and Manor House, details and samples of materials to be used for the external surfaces of those buildings shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. In respect of the Manor House these details shall include detailed drawings at 1:100 and 1:20 and shall include details of treatment of the north elevation and terrace base. The development shall be implemented in full accordance with the approved details. In relation to all other alteration works at the site the external materials shall match those of the building concerned.

Reason: To ensure a high quality of construction and appearance and to comply with policy DM9 of the CSDMP 2012.

Condition 8 (Archaeology) is replaced by a new condition:

The development shall be undertaken in accordance with the submitted Archaeology Desk-Based assessment, Savills, Revised Draft, December 2021.

Reason: To ensure full assessment of the potential archaeological value of the site and to comply with policy DM17 of the CSDMP 2012.

Condition 15 (Trees): add clause k) A strategy for removal of invasive species, this to include details of management over a period of 5 years following completion of the development to ensure eradication.

Condition 18 (Woodland management plan) is deleted.

Condition 19 (Lighting) is amended to read:

Prior to occupation of the development hereby approved a lighting scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority and the development shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved details and retained as such for the lifetime of the development unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: To protect biodiversity and prevent light pollution and to comply with policies CP14A and DM9 of the CSDMP 2012.

Additional condition (Lighting during development works)

Prior to occupation of the development hereby approved a Demolition and Construction Phases Lighting Strategy shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority and works shall be implemented in full accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To protect biodiversity and to comply with policy CP14A of the CSDMP 2012.

Additional condition (Protection of trees during demolition)

Prior to commencement of demolition works a Demolition Tree Protection Method Statement shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority and the works shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To protect trees during demolition works and to comply with policy DM9 of the CSDMP 2012.

Additional Informative

Pursuant to condition 9 (Travel Plan) the applicant is requested to consider inclusion of a station-to-site shuttle bus service to transport employees.”

Following consideration of the Planning Updates, the Committee wished to clarify that the proposed Condition 17 in the officer’s report should also refer to any superseding landscaping management plan, which had not yet been agreed with the Local Planning Authority. As a result it was agreed to add the words, ‘or a variation to’ after ‘approved landscaping plan’, in the proposed condition.

Furthermore following discussion, the Committee agreed to amend condition 10 of the officer’s report to specify ‘15 passive rapid or fast charging electric vehicle charging points’.

The officer recommendation, as amended, was proposed by Councillor Robin Perry, seconded by Councillor Victoria Wheeler and put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED that application 21/1122 be granted subject to the conditions in the Officer Report and Planning Updates, as amended.

Note 1

It was noted for the record that Councillor Victoria Wheeler declared that herself, her fellow Ward Councillors and Parish Councillors had met the applicant, on site, and reviewed the existing building and discussed the plans for the site; however she came into the meeting with an open-mind.

Note 2

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 officer recommendation to grant the application:

Councillors Graham Alleway, Peter Barnett, Stuart Black, Mark Gordon, Edward Hawkins, David Lewis, Charlotte Morley, Robin Perry, Darryl Ratiram, Morgan Rise, Graham Tapper, Victoria Wheeler, Helen Whitcroft and Valerie White.