Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the erection of two new buildings for graduate student residential accommodation (73 bedrooms) and associated external works.

The Committee noted the amendment sheet.

Dr Carne (First Bursar at King’s College) addressed the Committee in support of the application as follows.

       i.          Problems with the application were unexpected.

     ii.          Proposal was in keeping with Local Plan 7.7.

   iii.          A recent study regarding student accommodation encouraged the University to build within existing sites.

   iv.          The proposal would create a true graduate campus.

    v.          West Cambridge appraisal was consistent with proposals such as this.

   vi.          The area was already a mx of domestic and academic buildings with mixed scale and mass.

 vii.          When considering an impact on the conservation area it was important to consider the entire area.

viii.          The design panel found the plans acceptable.

   ix.          Local residents were largely supportive.

Councillor Cantrill (Newnham Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application as follow.

       i.          Residents had expressed concerns.

     ii.          Grange Road was currently a sensitive balance of domestic and institutional buildings.

   iii.          As you moved into the area it became greener and more rural in nature.

   iv.          This green aspect would be lost.

    v.          Scale and Mass was out of keeping with the area.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 7 votes to 1) refuse the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report.