Agenda item

Refurbishment, alterations and extensions to separate commercial unit from existing flat, and provide 2 x 1 bed flats. (As amended by additional plans and information received on 28.4.21, 29.7.21 and 10.11.21).

The committee considered application P20/V3043/FUL for refurbishment, alterations and extensions to separate commercial unit from existing flat, and provide 2 x 1 bed flats. (As amended by additional plans and information received on 28.4.21, 29.7.21 and 10.11.21).

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting.

The planning officer updated the committee that the Friends of Abingdon had removed their objection to the application, but had subsequently requested a condition for the recording of any historic fabric to be removed, although officers did not see this condition as necessary. The committee were also presented with an update that the neighbour at 29 Stert Street had recently written in to reiterate previous objections.

In addition, the officer recommended replacing condition thirteen with a compliance condition for all unauthorised works to be agreed and rectified within six months of any permission being granted. The officer subsequently provided the context of the application, detailing the layout of the existing site, the proposal that was being considered at the meeting, and the impact planning permission would have on the listed building. The planning officer concluded by confirming there had been no objection from the environmental officer nor county engineer, and that the application was recommended for both planning permission and listed building consent.

Councillor Helen Pighills, local ward member, spoke in objection to the application.

The officer was asked whether any construction work had already begun on the site before planning permission had been considered by the committee. The officer confirmed that they were aware work had commenced on-site, but the work was not connected to the application, and instead was thought to be restorative work to the rear of the property.

The committee asked for clarification on where the bin storage would be for the site. The response from the officer was that they would be located towards the north of the site. Additionally, upon a further question on whether the window would be blocked by the iron stairway, the officer explained that it was deemed that the provision of an escape route was desirable and would mitigate any concerns on a blocked window view.

The committee sought clarification on whether the iron walkway would be the main access point for the first floor of the development or whether this was an additional access point for emergency usage. The officer confirmed that the new development would include a new access within the entrance of the property and so this additional access point was primarily designed for usage during an emergency.

A question was asked by the committee seeking clarification on the current condition the buildings were in. The officer responded with confirmation that the property was in a poor state and was not currently occupied. In addition, the shop unit was currently vacant.

The committee asked a series of questions relating to concerns on risks to the preservation of the site and how conditions would be enforced. The officer explained that a number of conditions had been implemented which controlled the materials that could be used on construction. Additionally, the officer added that as the property was a listed building, any non-permitted alterations was a criminal offence and could be subject to prosecution, which from their experience was an adequate deterrence.

A motion moved and seconded, to grant planning permission was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to grant planning permission for application P20/V3043/FUL subject to the following conditions;

Standard

1.     Commencement within three years

2.     Approved plans list

Pre-commencement

3. Check for nesting birds on-site

4. Submission of Archaeological Watching Brief

5. Archaeologist to be present on-site and findings reported within two years

6. Construction Traffic Management Plan to be submitted

7. Access details including visibility splays to be submitted

Pre-damp course level

8.     Submission of material details (samples by photographic record)

Pre-occupation

9.     Swift brick/box to be provided on site

10. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure to be provided

11. Car parking to be provided in accordance with plan

12. Bicycle parking and bin storage to be provided in accordance with plan and bin storage

Compliance

13. All unauthorised works to be agreed and rectified within six months of any permission being granted.