Agenda item

River Ward

Demolition of existing one and two storey commercial premises and proposed new development consisting of 22 apartments (8 X 2 Bed Units and 14 X 1 Bed Units), in two blocks with amenity space and associated parking to be provided for 22 cars.

Discussion:

The Planning Manager outlined the planning application in detail and suggested that should the Committee be minded to approve the application, the proposed Section 106 and proposed conditions 2, 8, and 9 be amended, proposed condition 13 be replaced and two new conditions 29 and 30 be approved all as set out on the supplementary agenda advice sheet.

In addition, she advised that since despatch of the agenda, three additional representations had been received objecting to the proposed development and the objections raised had already been addressed within the report.

She also advised of further comments received from the Environment Agency and Southern Water, details of which were set out on the supplementary agenda advice sheet.

The Committee discussed the application having regard to the proposed height of the blocks of apartments, the materials to be used and possible restrictions on parking permits. However, it was noted that as the site was not located in a controlled parking zone, it was not possible to place a restriction on availability of parking permits for this development.

Decision: 

Approved subject to:

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

i)          A contribution of £5271.42 (£239.61 per unit) towards appropriate wildlife mitigation measures within Special Protection Areas.       

ii)         A contribution of £1681.24 (£76.42 per unit) towards Medway Youth Service to support young people in the Rochester community.

iii)        A contribution of £6111.60 (£277.80 per unit) towards improving street furniture in the grounds of the Rochester Castle.

(iv)       £2748.90 Great Lines Heritage Park Improvements for signage.

(v)        £29.696.94 Open Space improvements to Jackson Fields/The Paddock.

b)            Conditions 1, 3 – 7, 10 – 12 and 14 – 28 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report and conditions 2, 8, 9, 13 amended as follows and new conditions 29 and 30:

2          The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

17 1074 022 A; 17 1074 023 A; 17 1074 030 A; 17 1074 031 A received 18 May 2018; revised plan 17 1074 021 B received on 11 June 2018; and 17 1074 020C received on 27 June 2018.

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

8          Notwithstanding the submitted Noise and Vibration assessment, no development shall take place above slab level until a scheme for protecting the development from noise and vibration have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. All works which form part of the approved scheme shall be completed before any part of the development is occupied and shall thereafter be maintained in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: In accordance with the objectives of paragraph 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 and Police BNE2 of the Medway Local Plan 2003.

9          Notwithstanding the submitted Noise and Vibration assessment, no development shall commence above slab level until full details of acoustic glazing and mechanical ventilation systems, including heat recovery and cooling have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details prior to the occupation of any unit herein approved and shall be maintained thereafter.

Reason: In accordance with the objectives of paragraph 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 and Policy BNE2 of the Medway Local Plan 2003.

13        Prior to the commencement of any residential part of the development hereby permitted, the details of a clean air ventilation system (which provides both passive and rapid ventilation) necessary to ensure an appropriate level of air quality within the development shall be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  All works, which form part of the approved system, shall be completed before any part of the development is occupied and shall thereafter be maintained in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: Required prior to commencement of development to ensure that no detrimental harm occurs as a result of unacceptable levels of emissions in the interest of residential amenity in accordance with paragraph 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 and Policies BNE2 and BNE24 of the Medway Local Plan 2003.

29        The development shall be undertaken in accordance with the submitted plans and accompanying Tree Report (dated 19 June 2018) by Arborsense Arboricultural Consultants received on 21 June 2018.

Reason: In the interests of appropriate tree protection and management in accordance with Policy BNE43 of the Medway Local Plan.

30        Prior to occupation of the development, a signed verification report carried out by a qualified drainage engineer (or equivalent) must be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority to confirm that the Sustainable Drainage System has been constructed as per the agreed scheme and plans.

Reason: This condition is sought in accordance with paragraph 103 of the NPPF to ensure that suitable surface water drainage scheme is designed and fully implemented so as to not increase flood risk onsite or elsewhere.