Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for erection of nine residential units comprising a terrace of 4 x three bedroom houses, 4 x two bedroom flats and 1 x one bedroom flat with access, car parking, and associated landscaping, following the demolition of the existing building on site, at Malta Road, Cambridge.

The Committee noted the additional information in the Amendment Sheet including an informative regarding hedgehog friendly fencing.

Richard Seamark (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Councillor Herbert (Coleridge Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application and made the following comments:

      i.          Application would be significant back land development.

     ii.          Three storey height would be overbearing.

   iii.          Would cause loss of light and overshadowing.

   iv.          Would be inappropriate intensification.

    v.          Neighbours would lose winter sunlight.

   vi.          A small building was being replaced by an imposing development.

 vii.          Roof gardens were unacceptable due to overlooking and impact on the privacy of neighbours.

viii.          Design does not respect local area.

   ix.          Removal of trees would result in the loss of a wildlife corridor.

    x.          Previous application for this site questioned the site access.

   xi.          Would have a significant impact on Marmora Road.

The Committee discussed imposing additional conditions requiring solid screens to the roof garden which would address privacy concerns; a requirement to restrict garage use to vehicle storage and a Sustainable Urban Drainage System. Additional informatives regarding the use of low planting to mitigate tree loss, fire safety and hedgehog friendly fencing were also suggested.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 7 votes to 0 with 1 abstention) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the Officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer’s report, subject to:

      i.          the planning conditions set out in the Officer’s report; and

     ii.          with delegated authority to officers to draft and include the following additional conditions in respect of:

a.    Garages to remain for the use of vehicle storage,

b.    Solid screening to roof gardens,

c.    Inclusion of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System and

   iii.          informatives included on the planning permission in respect of:

a.    Fire safety (access for fire tenders),

b.    Hedgehog friendly fencing,

c.    Low planting to mitigate for tree loss.