Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the erections of student accommodation comprising 30 studios, a common room, laundry room, bin and bicycle store, following the demolition of the existing building.

This application had been deferred from the 3^rd June 2015 meeting as the Committee had requested further information. The Planning Officers explained that some information included in the amendment sheet in June had not subsequently incorporated into the later report.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from Mr Charles Hewitt.

The representation covered the following issues:

     i.        This would be the wrong building and the wrong place.

    ii.        Previous history of student housing had demonstrated that agreements regarding student occupation were not adhered to.

   iii.        Developers had a habit of reneging on S106 agreements and no action was taken.

  iv.        Speculative development should not be allowed.

   v.        Height and mass of the building was out of keeping with the neighbourhood.

  vi.        Proposed building would be very close to care home and residents would lose their view.

 vii.        Building would be within 4 meters vulnerable residents in the area.

viii.        Development was inappropriate for the neighbourhood.

Paul Belton, the applicant’s agent, addressed the Committee in support of the application.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 6 votes to 1 with 1 abstentions) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the conditions recommended by the officers and subject to completion of s106 Agreement and additional condition 18 as below

Condition 18

Prior to the occupation of the building a Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The Management Plan shall then be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To protect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers. (Cambridge Local Plan (2006) policies 3/7 and 4/13).