Decision details

Councillor Hipkin withdrew from the meeting for this item and did not participate in the discussion or decision making.

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the demolition of Gresham House, and refurbishment and extension of Gonville Hotel to provide an additional 43 bedrooms and new spa/treatment rooms, with internal and external remodelling of the existing hotel to create a new dining area and hotel entrance, and associated external works and landscaping

The Committee received representations in objection to applications 13/0646/FUL & 13/0647/CAC from Mrs Savage, Mrs Weaver & Dr Kelly representing local residents.

The representation covered the following issues:

       i.          Gresham House was recognised as an important building in the Conservation Area Appraisal and by the Cambridge City Council Conservation Team.

     ii.          The proposed design would have a negative impact on the existing street scene and would not retain any character of the existing building.  

   iii.          Questioned why Gresham House could not be incorporated into the proposed development.

   iv.          The materials chosen for the development would be out of keeping with the neighbouring properties and would not last.

    v.          Suggested that the development did not comply with paragraphs 4/10 and 4/11 of the Cambridge Local Plan.

   vi.          The new three storey property would be a flat roofed contemporary extension which would dominate this section of Gresham Road.

 vii.          Proposed the application was contrary to the national planning policy framework, paragraph 13, and did not make a positive contribution to the conservation area.

viii.          There would be a significant loss of trees in a mature garden in the area which acts as a barrier to ensure privacy of neighbouring properties.

   ix.          There would be an impact on traffic congestion already exisiting in Gonville Road.

    x.          Gonville road is an important part of the City’s cycle route which is also used by pedestrians and local children from the surrounding schools.

   xi.          The entrance to the proposed Spa would increase the risk of an accident.

 xii.          There would be an increase in light pollution and noise, particularly from the Spa’s heating and cooling system for the outside hot tub.

xiii.          The proposed development would over look into the garden and bedrooms of 3 Gresham Road and result in loss of privacy.

Mr Colin Brown (Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 6 votes to 0 with 1 abstention)  to refuse the application for planning permission in accordance with the Officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer report, subject to the deletion of the reference made to the policy 4/12 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2006.