Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for erection of a mixed-use development comprising a library and community facility at ground floor with seven residential flats on the upper floors (comprising two 2xbed units and five 1x bed units) along with cycle parking and associated landscaping, following the demolition of the existing building on site.

The Committee received representations in objection to the application from local residents.

The representations covered the following issues:

       i.          Objected to the demolition of the existing single storey library.

     ii.          As a result of comments from residents council officers were currently considering listing the existing library as a Building of Local Interest.

   iii.          Referred to a petition to preserve the library.

   iv.          The library was linked to people of historical interest.

    v.          Expressed concern about traffic and queried if a no car development was practicable/enforceable.

   vi.          Ascham Road had existing traffic flow, parking and congestion issues.

 vii.          Took issue with traffic details set out in the Officer’s report.

A representative from Friends of Milton Road Library and Mr McKeown (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Councillor Blencowe proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation that delegated powers be been given to allow finalisation of the wording of Condition 23.

This amendment was carried by 7 votes to 0.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 7 votes to 0) 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 plus delegated powers to allow finalisation of the wording of Condition 23.