Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought approval for erection of student accommodation comprising 53 student rooms - clusters (incl. 2 x DDA rooms), 9 student flats and 15 student studios (Sui generis), and ancillary facilities including kitchen/communal areas, laundry room, plantroom, bin and bicycle enclosures; refurbishment and minor works to 108 Chesterton Road with the retention of 8 student rooms; and 14 residential flats (Use Class C3) comprising 1 bed and 2 bed units (following demolition of existing buildings), together with landscaping and associated infrastructure.

 

 

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

 

The representation covered the following issues:

       i.          Student numbers living on the site would rise from 63 to over a 100.

     ii.          Current building is already the largest on the street. this building would be even bigger and would be located nearer the road.

   iii.          Would dominant the street and cause overlooking.

   iv.          Those living opposite the site would be faced with a much larger building that would be closer than the existing building.

    v.          Road currently comprises a pleasing eclectic mix OF properties and uses.

   vi.          Conference use would be problematic for residents.

 vii.          Approval would give a green light for further densification in the area.

 

Justin Bainton, the Applicant’s Agent, addressed the Committee in support of the application.

 

Councillor Sargeant, Chesterton Ward Councillor addressed the Committee regarding the application as follows:

       i.          The design was mediocre and there was the potential for more enhancements.

     ii.          This section of Chesterton Road was predominantly bay fronted. Victorian residential properties.

   iii.          The design WAS neither a modern interpretation of the current street scape nor presented a pleasant contrast.

   iv.          The mass of the building would be considerably closer to the pavement than the existing building.

    v.          Limited access route would force taxis and delivery vehicles to park on the cycle lane.

   vi.          The residential area offered very limited parking and would result in overspill parking into nearby streets.

 vii.          Conference use would also result in increased demand for parking spaces.

 

Councillor Blencowe proposed an amendment to condition 40 OF the Officer’s recommendation as follows (struck through words deleted):

 

The College accommodation hereby permitted shall be occupied only by students (including their partner and immediate family) of any of the Colleges of the University of Cambridge who are enrolled in  full-time education on a course of at least one academic year at the University of Cambridge; or within the central block hereby permitted by Fellows of Clare College and visiting research fellows not exceeding more than 24 no. units at any one time and for a tenancy of no longer than 3 years unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority; or by delegates of conferences or part-time students attending short courses organised by Clare College during the summer vacation period.  All occupants of the College accommodation shall be subject to proctorial control or a tenancy agreement prohibiting the occupants (except for those who are registered disabled) from keeping a private motor vehicle within the City of Cambridge.

 

This amendment was carried nem con.

 

Councillor Blencowe proposed an additional amendment regarding the colour of the bricks as follow:

 

Prior to commencement of the development hereby permitted (excluding demolition and enabling works), notwithstanding the approved front and rear elevations of the Chesterton Road and Hamilton Road buildings, revised plans shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority to show alternative brick detailing.  Samples of the brickwork shall be submitted for approval via condition 18. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the agreed details.

 

This amendment was carried unanimously.

 

The Committee:

 

Resolved (by 6 votes to 1 and 1 abstention) 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 the following amended wording for condition 40 and additional condition:

 

         40.     The College accommodation hereby permitted shall be occupied only by students (including their partner and immediate family) of any of the Colleges of the University of Cambridge who are enrolled in  full-time education on a course of at least one academic year at the University of Cambridge; or within the central block hereby permitted by Fellows of Clare College and visiting research fellows not exceeding more than 24 no. units at any one time and for a tenancy of no longer than 3 years unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority; or by delegates of conferences or part-time students attending short courses organised by Clare College during the summer vacation period.  All occupants of the College accommodation shall be subject a tenancy agreement prohibiting the occupants (except for those who are registered disabled) from keeping a private motor vehicle within the City of Cambridge.

 

Reason: To ensure that the proposal meets student housing need, to ensure the amenity of future occupants is protected, to help foster an academic community and because the impact of car parking has been assessed on the basis of minimal car ownership of future occupants (Cambridge Local Plan policies 7/7, 3/12, 4/13 and 8/2).

 

         41.     Prior to commencement of the development hereby permitted (excluding demolition and enabling works), notwithstanding the approved front and rear elevations of the Chesterton Road and Hamilton Road buildings, revised plans shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority to show alternative brick detailing.  Samples of the brickwork shall be submitted for approval via condition 18. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the agreed details. 

Reason: To ensure a high quality development which responds to the surrounding context (Cambridge Local Plan policies 3,4 and 3/12).