Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the conversion of the existing bin store into 1 new one-bedroom studio apartment, with the replacement of the existing roof and provision of additional parking space and cycle storage. The bin store would be relocated to the north of the site.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a Trumpington Road resident.

The representation covered the following issues:

       i.          Planning permission had previously been granted in 2004, with several conditions including provision of a bin store.

     ii.          Arrangements in the current application for a bin store etc were different to those outlined in previous planning permission.

   iii.          Expressed specific concerns regarding:

a.    Change of bin store location. It was now near the amenity area.

b.    Loss of view.

c.    People’s safety when accessing facilities.

Councillor Meftah (Trumpington Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application.

The representation covered the following issues:

       i.          He had visited the site and met with residents.

     ii.          Expressed specific concerns regarding:

a.    The proposed flat was too close to the car park access ramp. Residents would be disturbed and have poor amenities.

b.    The bin store would make the site unattractive.

c.    The new building would take away some of the public amenity space for private use.

   iii.          Please refuse the application.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 6 votes to 1) to reject the officer recommendation to approve the application.

Resolved (by 6 votes to 0) to refuse the application contrary to the officer recommendations for the following reasons:

1)   The converted bin store building will be in close proximity to the ramp serving the underground car parking to spaces under the principal building, Meadowcroft House.  The use of the ramp would expose the occupants of the proposed dwelling to noise and disturbance and fumes to the detriment of their residential amenity.  In so doing the proposed development fails to provide satisfactory living accommodation contrary to Policy 5/2 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2006.

2)   The proposed new dwelling by virtue of its small scale and associated surface level parking would relate poorly to the existing flats at Meadowcroft House and would detract from the visual appearance of the area contrary to Policy 3/10 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2006.