Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing multi storey garage blocks and construction of 96no. independent living apartments with associated parking, amenity space and improvements to the parking and refuse collection for the existing build.

It was RESOLVED: That the application 22/00963/FPM be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report and the applicant having first entered into a S106 legal agreement.

The Committee considered a report in respect of application 22/00963/FPM seeking the demolition of existing multi storey garage blocks and construction of 96 independent living apartments with associated parking, amenity space and improvements to the parking and refuse collection for the existing building.

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the application and informed Members that Brent Court formed one of the three tower blocks on Silam Road. The development would replace the existing garage compound with a 7-storey assisted living block of flats for over 50s. There would be a parking compound beneath the building and one and two bed apartments that were constructed for future adaptability. There would be communal lounges with an open terrace and garden, as well as a hobby room, staff locker and staff changing rooms. Each flat had a window in the kitchen which overlooked the internal corridors as developers found that residents liked to see into the corridors from their flats.

The Senior Planning Officer informed the Committee that one of the garage compounds had not been accessed since 2009 and there was informal car parking between the two garages. The proposed parking would include disabled parking spaces, spaces for 48 mobility scooters, and 96 cycle spaces. The lower level of the car park was available for Brent Court residents only. The overall building would be lower on Silam Road and was closer to the town centre gardens. There would also be solar panels on the roof.

The Chair invited Ms Viv Williams who spoke on behalf of Mr Paul Thompson, an objector, to address the Committee.

Ms Williams informed Members that parking had been an issue for Brent Court and less parking spaces would have a knock-on effect in the surrounding area. She believed this development would also cause congestion in Silam Road. She expressed concerns of noise and pollution having a negative impact on all Brent Court residents who would effectively be living on a building site. She explained that the existing Brent Court structure did not have air conditioning therefore many residents need their windows open which would be difficult during construction.

The Chair thanked Ms Williams for her contribution to the meeting.

The Chair then invited the Housing Development Representative to address the Committee.

The Housing Development Representative informed Members that there was no older person rented accommodation near the town centre. There was a high concentration of older residents living in 3-4 bed housing in Bedwell and the current housing stock is not appealing to them, so they don’t want to give up their homes and downsize. This development proposed to create 96 one and two bed apartments with parking for existing residents of Brent Court as well as the new development. He informed Members that there were 29 parking bays and 53 garages currently outside Brent Court, however only 19 residents rent these and the majority were used as storage. This proposal would deliver an extra 48 parking spaces for residents. The application also enhances safety of the town  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5