Agenda item

[NOTE 1: The Planning Officer advised the Committee that one additional letter of objection had been received which mainly reiterated the comments already summarised within the representations section of the report

[NOTE 2: In accordance with the procedure for public speaking at Planning Committee, Mr Graham Cundy attended the meeting and spoke in objection to the application and Mr Patrick Graham spoke in support.]

The Committee considered an application for the demolition of No.1 Robin Hood Road and erection of a part three storey, part two storey building comprising Seven self-contained flats and a ground floor commercial unit (Use Class E) and associated parking, landscaping and works (AMENDED PLANS).

Cllr R Leach, Ward Councillor commented that he shared some of the same reservations as raised by the objecting public speaker and had concerns regarding the parking provision. It was thought that the retail unit was likely to attract traffic, which there was no provision for and local car parks were already congested. The Councillor also commented that the three storeys height of the proposed application would be out of place with the surrounding area and he was concerned regarding the narrow nature of Barrack Road which ran beside the site.

The Planning Officer confirmed that the parking element of the application was compliant with policy, which required 4.5 spaces and the applicant was providing 5 spaces. There was no minimum requirement for dedicated parking for commercial units.

With regard the height of the application, the Planning Officer confirmed that most developments in the area were two storey and some with living space in the roof. In terms of urban design, corner plots were considered a good location for taller buildings. The Planning Officer noted that variation of height was not necessarily harmful and there was often steeping up and down in a street scene.

The Planning Officer acknowledged that Barrack Road was narrow, however they stated that there was a current dwelling already on the plot and Surrey Highways had not raised any objections to the application.

Following a question, the Planning Officer confirmed that the commercial units opening hours were set out in the conditions. That said, nothing could stop the applicant applying for a change in opening hours, but this did not mean it would be granted. Any future application would be considered on its own merits.

With regard to deliveries to the commercial unit, it was thought these would take place from Robin Hood Road. It was only one small commercial unit, the Planning Officer did not consider this to be an issue.

In accordance with the Standing Order set out in the Constitution, the Chairman deemed that a division should be taken on the recommendation to approve the application.  The votes for and against refusal of the application were recorded as follows.

In favour:                          Cllrs G Cosnahan, A Javaid, L Lyons (Chairman), S Mukherjee and M Sullivan.

                                 TOTAL:  5

Against:                              None

                                 TOTAL:  0

Present but not voting:      Cllr R Leach.

                                 TOTAL:  1

The application was therefore approved.

RESOLVED

That Planning Permission be GRANTED subject to conditions and a S106 Agreement.