Agenda item

River

Demolition of existing one and two storey commercial premises and proposed new development consisting of 21 apartments (8 x 2 Bed units and 13 x 1 Bed units), in two blocks with amenity space and associated parking to be provided for 21 cars.

Discussion:

The Senior Planner outlined the planning application and advised the Committee that since despatch of the agenda, the applicants had provided amended and additional plans. Details of amendments were set out on the supplementary agenda advice sheet.

He also drew attention to updated information relating to the relevant planning history for the site, representations from Kent County Council (Archaeology) and Network Rail and further information on the planning appraisal all of which were set out on the supplementary agenda advice sheet.

In the event that the Committee was minded to approve the application, it was suggested that proposed conditions 2 and 3 be amended, proposed condition 23 be deleted and the remaining conditions re-renumbered and a new condition 27 be approved, details of which were set out on the supplementary agenda advice sheet.

The Committee discussed the planning application and referred to the proposed Section 106 Heads of Agreement for a contribution towards repair of light fittings at the Chatham Naval Memorial. It was suggested that this funding would be more appropriately used for repairs to the clock at the Corn Exchange.

The Committee referred to the issue of Section 106 funds generally and whilst recognising the importance of the Great Lines Heritage Park, requested that in future, contributions should be split 50/50 between the Great Lines Heritage Park and a site in the Ward in which the application site is located.

The Committee also requested that Officers be mindful of the need for appropriate materials to be used at the application site in the light of its location in a Conservation Area.

Decision:

Approved subject to:

A)           The applicant entering into a Section 106 agreement to secure the following:      

            i)  A contribution of £4695.18 (£223 per unit) towards appropriate     wildlife mitigation measures within Special Protection Areas;

ii) A contribution of £2643.95 split 50/50 between the repair of light fittings at the             Chatham Naval Memorial and repairs to the clock at the Corn Exchange;

iii) A contribution of £8595.37 towards the fabric upkeep, maintenance and costs towards Eastgate House improvements; and

iv) A contribution of £20,024.64 towards Open space improvements to be spent on improvements towards Eastgate House Gardens.

B)           Conditions 1 and  4 – 22 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report, conditions 2 and 3 amended as set out below, conditions 24 – 27 as set out in the report but renumbered 23 – 26 and new condition 27 as set out below:

2.         Drawing 3275 PD 11 Rev B (block and location plan); 3275 PD 12   Rev B (Proposed Plans block 1); 3275 PD 14 Rev A (block 1 Proposed Elevations); 3275 PD 15 Rev B (Proposed Sections A-A and B-B; 3275 PD 18 (Block 2 Floor Plan –retaining wall details); Design and Access Statement (2 November 2016); letter dated 1 November 2016 all received by email dated 3 November 2016.

            Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

3.         The bathroom windows on the northwestern side above ground floor level on Block 1 (the frontage block) shall be fitted with obscure glass and apart from any top-hung light, that has a cill height of not less than 1.7 metres above the internal finished floor level of the room it serves, shall be non-opening. This work shall be carried out and completed before the room is occupied and shall be retained at all times thereafter.

Reason:  To ensure the development does not prejudice conditions of amenity by reason of unneighbourly overlooking of adjoining property, in accordance with Policy BNE2 of the Medway Local Plan 2003.

27.       No development shall commence until full details of means of access for maintenance purposes for the area between the rear elevation of Block 2 and the existing retaining wall. The means of access shall be provided in accordance with any details subsequently approved and thereafter maintained.

                        Reason: To ensure access for maintenance of wall and building.