Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for reconfiguration and extensions, incorporating dormer windows, and alterations to roof of building to provide 14 residential units (net increase of 9) along with bin and cycle storage

The Senior Planner updated her report to correct an error. The floor space in unit S6 was 32 metres squared not 44 metres squared.

The Committee received representations in objection to the application from residents of Cockburn Street.

The representations covered the following issues:

       i.          Wanted an application that created a community spirit, improved the site, and had appropriate living conditions.

     ii.          Expressed concern about:

a.    Overcrowding in an already over populated area.

b.    Transient residents in short term private lets would not foster a community spirit.

c.    Not all units met space standards. They were small and had low ceilings.

d.    Limited natural light and amenities for new residents.

e.    Insufficient on-site parking.

   iii.          Desired humane accommodation for people on different income levels. Generally landlords were charging high prices for rented accommodation.

Mr Mckeown (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Councillor Smart proposed, and Councillor Hipkin seconded, a motion to defer the planning application in order to seek further information prior to making a decision.

This motion was lost by 6 votes to 4.

The Committee then resolved (by 6 votes to 4) to not to accept the officer recommendation to approve the application. Due to confusion as to whether the major decision making protocol was in effect, Councillors unanimously resolved to annul the vote to reject the officer’s recommendation to approve the application. The Committee then (again) voted on the officer’s recommendation having clearly stated they were following the major decision making protocol.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 5 votes to 4) not to accept the officer recommendation of approval, as the committee were minded to refuse the application, a decision on whether to approve or refuse the application was subsequently deferred under the Adjourned Decision Protocol

Under the Council’s agreed Adjourned Decisions Protocol this application will be brought back to a future meeting of the Committee to allow further discussion of reasons for refusal.  The following matters may form the basis for detailed reasons for refusal:

       i.          Units S3, S5 and S6 fail to meet the minimum nationally described space standards required by Policy 50 and the development would therefore not provide an adequate level of amenity for future occupiers of these flats. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy 50 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018.

     ii.          The proposed development fails to provide any off-street car parking. The car free nature of the development cannot be realistically enforced due to the lack of parking controls on street. The proposal would therefore add additional on street car parking demand contrary to Policies 82 and 52(d) of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018.

   iii.          The applicant has failed to provide sufficient surface water drainage details to demonstrate the site can be appropriately drained. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy 31 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018.

   iv.          The proposal for 9 additional units will result in an intensification of the use of the garden which will cause unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance to 186 Mill Road contrary to Policies 52 and 53 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018.