Agenda item

Watling

Change of use from Class C2 (Hospital) to Class C3 (Dwellinghouse) into 21 self-contained flats comprising one x studio, eight  x 1-bed and twelve x 2-bed with associated landscaping and parking (demolition of part single storey side/rear addition).

Discussion: 

The Head of Planning outlined the planning application and suggested that if the Committee was minded to approve the application, an additional condition be approved as set out on the supplementary agenda advice sheet.

The Committee discussed the application and whilst there was support for this building being brought back into use, it was noted that one of the proposed apartments fell short of the Council’s approved Housing standards.

Concern was also expressed as to the potential impact upon on-street parking in the vicinity of the site.

It was suggested that if the application was approved, discussions be held with the Ward Councillors concerning the allocation of the Section 106 funding.

In response to questions, the Head of Planning confirmed that one electric charging point would be provided per flat and that whilst he acknowledged that the dimensions of one flat fell below the Council’s Housing standards, as this development involved the conversion of an existing building it was therefore considered acceptable in planning terms.

The Head of Planning also confirmed that the provision of the heating system in the building had not been included as part of the conditions but that this could be conditioned if the Committee wished.

Decision:

Approved subject to:

a)            A Section 106 Agreement under the terms of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 being entered into to secure the following developer’s contributions with the allocation of elements of the Section 106 heads of agreement being discussed with Ward Councillors:

i)          £18,371.37 towards mainstream nursery/primary education within a radius of 2 miles from the development site, and/or SEND education within Medway and mainstream or SEND secondary/sixth form education within Medway.

• Nursery education: £4,665.04 within a radius of 2 miles from the development site, and/or SEND education within Medway

• Primary education: £1,199.58 within a radius of 2 miles from the development site, and/or SEND education within Medway

• Secondary education: £10,505.18 mainstream or SEND secondary education within Medway

• Sixth Form education: £2,001.57 mainstream or SEND sixth form education within Medway

ii)         £13,726.86 towards supporting the creation of additional capacity in Primary Care premises required as a result of the increase in housing and resulting patient registrations.

iii)        £3,584.91 towards improved equipment and facilities at Gillingham Library and/or Luton Library.

iv)        £1,699.95 towards programme delivery for young people (ages 8-19 and up to 25 with additional needs) in the Gillingham area which may include facilities, providing access, supplies, equipment and/or instructors.

v)         £7,500.00 towards the development of sustainable transport infrastructure to encourage modal shift from the private motor vehicle within the local vicinity.

vi)        £3,756.48 towards the provision, improvement and promotion of waste and recycling services to cover the impact of the development.

vii)       £5,145.00 towards the development of public realm improvements to Gillingham town centre.

viii)      £55,386.45 towards the enhancement of open space facilities within Watling Ward including Gillingham Park and Medway's Metropolitan park - Great Lines Heritage Park.

• £52,617.13 to enhance open space facilities within Watling ward including Gillingham Park.

• £2,769.32 to Medway’s Metropolitan park - Great Lines Heritage Park.

ix)        £5,330.45 towards Designated Habitats Mitigation.

b)            Conditions 1 – 13 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report, new condition 14 as set out below and a new condition 15 concerning the provision of heating in the building with the specific of the condition being agreed by the Head of Planning in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Opposition Spokesperson:

14        Prior to the first occupation of the development herein approved, a building maintenance and landscape management plan, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The building maintenance and landscape management plan shall include long term design objectives, management responsibilities and maintenance schedules for all external elevations of the building and landscape, for a minimum period of five years and arrangements for implementation. The development shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

Reason:  To ensure a satisfactory external appearance and provision for landscaping in accordance with Policies BNE1 and BNE6 of the Medway Local Plan 2003.

15. Details of the proposed heating system to be installed to serve the flats to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.