Issue - meetings

To consider the change of use of ground floor retail unit (80 Queensway), first and second floor office units (58-80 Queensway) and Forum Chambers (all Use Class E) to residential use (Use Class C3) and all associated ancillary infrastructure, and the upward extension of two additional storeys and associated external alterations and works to create a total of 71 residential units.

The Committee considered a report in respect of application 23/00502/FPM seeking planning permission for the change of use of ground floor retail unit (80 Queensway), first and second floor office units (58-80 Queensway) and Forum Chambers (all Use Class E) to residential use (Use Class C3) and all associated ancillary infrastructure, and the upward extension of two additional storeys and associated external alterations and works to create a total of 71 residential units.

It was RESOLVED that application 23/00502/FPM be granted planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Committee considered a report on planning application 23/00502/FPM seeking planning permission for the change of use of ground floor retail unit (80 Queensway), first and second floor office units (58-80 Queensway) and Forum Chambers (all Use Class E) to residential use (Use Class C3) and all associated ancillary infrastructure, and the upward extension of two additional storeys and associated external alterations and works to create a total of 71 residential units.

The Officer explained the site comprises a three-storey row of shops and offices on the western side of Queensway, running from Queensway Chambers to the western turn onto The Forum. The ground floor is mostly made up of shops, whilst the upper floors comprise incidental storage space for the shop units and separate offices. Access is pedestrian only and can be taken from various points on Queensway and the Forum at ground floor level, as well as from the rear service yard at first floor level. The site is located within the town centre shopping area and the ground floor is a primary retail frontage. It is also located within Flood Zone 1 and The Town Centre Residential Parking Accessibility Zone. The Town Square Conservation Area lies immediately adjacent to the site to the south.

-        It was stated there would be a two storey upward extension and change of use to residential, which would be car-free with 49 cycle parking spaces and a £50 public transport voucher for each flat. Proposed plans, elevations and CGIs of the development were shown.

-        It was stated that noise issues had been resolved subject to conditions which will be agreed with the chair.

Members queried what would the size of the flats be, officers explained they would be comparable to the flats that are in Stevenage, and they would all meet or exceed Government standards. Disabled parking was queried if any provision would be needed. It was explained there was no policy requirement but this had been considered and due to the site’s location within the Town Centre there would be a number of existing disabled parking bays in the area. The Committee questioned whether a light study had been carried out and whether there would an impact on Queensway. Officers stated there would be a slight improvement due to the changes in the canopy.

It was RESOLVED application 23/00502/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report:

O1. A cash contribution of £126,646 towards the provision of a new primary school within the town centre.

O2. A cash contribution of £76,000 towards the provision of affordable housing within the Borough.

O3. The provision of £50 worth of public transport vouchers for every flat within the development.

O4. The provision of an employment and skills plan to secure work and apprenticeships for residents of the Borough.

O5. Monitoring fees as required to cover the cost of administering the above obligations. Conditions General Conditions

C1. The development to which this permission relates shall be carried out  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6