Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for erection of new building comprising of a single A1 or A3 (in the alternative) unit at ground floor and seven self-contained flats above.

Matt Hare (Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application on behalf of the applicant.

A statement in support of the application on behalf of a member of South Newnham Residents’ Association was read out to the Committee.

Councillor Dr Gehring (Newnham Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application as follows:

       i.          The most sensitive location in all of Newham; an exposed location which was viewed by thousands of visitors to the City when dropped off by tourist coaches.

     ii.          The proposed design would change the character of the historic street scene.

   iii.          The redevelopment of the Cambridge University Arms had shown it was possible to replicate certain heritage elements sensitively; this application did not reproduce any of the historical elements which were being taken down.

   iv.          The application would have an adverse effect on the existing street scene.

Councillor Cantrill (Newnham Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application as follows:

       i.          A complex and sensitive site in relation to the architectural and heritage content of the area. 

     ii.          No objection to the redevelopment and demolition of the site.

   iii.          If a sensitive design were to be delivered it would achieve more than the original building offered to the existing street scape.

   iv.          Had spoken with the architect and the South Newnham Residents’ Association on various occasions to determine a design in nature and form worthy of the location; many of the aspects had reflected those discussions. 

    v.          The proposed design was using high quality materials, respected the space, while addressing the sites which surrounding the building, Newham Road; the Mill Pond and Victoria Road.

   vi.          Despite all the positives, the design did not go far enough concerning the massing of the three storey component and how it related to Newham Road. The dominance of the building and how it relays to the surrounding buildings.

 vii.          The application should not be approved in its current form.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 6 votes to 1) 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 subject to the following changes:

       i.          Revision to condition 27 to refer to new rather than existing building.

     ii.          Additional condition requiring sample materials.