Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the proposed erection of a mixed use scheme comprising 13 flats and 2 retail units following demolition of existing buildings at 18, 18a, 18b and 18c Chesterton Road, Cambridge.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of Riverside Court representing residents of a number of properties in Riverside Court.

The representation covered the following issues:

     i.        Appreciated the Officer’s recommendation of refusal.

    ii.        Proposal would impact on Riverside Cottages.

   iii.        Would result in a sense on enclosure.

  iv.        Would cause overlooking.

   v.        Scale and mass were inappropriate.

  vi.        Loss of trees.

 vii.        Potential root damage from replacement trees.

viii.        Problems of surface water drainage in runoff water being directed towards Riverside Court.

  ix.        Impact on access routes.

   x.        Conditions regarding window treatments such as obscure glazing would be hard to police in future.

Garth Hanlon the Applicant’s Agent addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Councillor Sargent (West Chesterton Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application as follows:

     i.        The Council has an opportunity to improve the area around Mitcham’s Corner.

    ii.        Previous inappropriate application had been rejected in this area.

   iii.        This application would be overdevelopment.

  iv.        The Emerging Local Plan offers opportunities to create a strong regional identity in this location.

   v.        Design was poor.

  vi.        Important views from Jesus Green would be lost.

 vii.        Progress in the area was to be welcomed but it needed to be protected progress.

The Committee:

Unanimously resolved to refuse the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report.