Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare at this stage any interests that they may have in an application shown on this agenda. If any member of the Committee is unsure whether or not they should declare an interest on a particular matter, they should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer before the meeting.

Application No:   16/1895/FUL

Site Address:      Elizabeth House, 1 High Street Chesterton Cambridge CB4 1NQ

Description:        Extend the social area of Elizabeth House

Applicant:            CATS College, Cambridge

Agent:                  Savills

Address:             Unex House, 132 -134 Hills Road, Cambridge

Lead Petitioner:  Resident of 291 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, Cambs, CB4 1BH

Case Officer:      Michael Hammond

Text of Petition:  

Since CATS college commenced operations, the canteen has been frequently used for social activities, particularly discos. These operations have had a serious impact on the lives of local residents, most especially during the summer. In July and August 2016 there were twice weekly discos on Monday and Friday, including during school-term, running until 10.30pm which disturbed the sleep of both adult residents and their children. The canteen is particularly ill-suited to such events, as it is constructed largely of glass, which does little to contain the noise.

The local residents are therefore deeply concerned at the proposal to extend the canteen.

There is additional concern that this will result in the construction of a new area of outdoor seating, necessarily closer to our residences.

There is further concern at the impact caused by the construction work. The previous building operations on site did not adhere to their planning restrictions on times of construction, nor was their any consideration demonstrated with the use of extremely noisy activities.

Finally, there is concern at the attitude of CATS College towards noise made outside by their students. They have stated that they consider it perfectly reasonable to have their students shouting outside until 10pm at night, and until 11pm at weekends.

We propose that the following conditions be imposed to mitigate the impact of this development

* That amplified sound, if audible outside the premises, may only be used for social purposes on either Friday or Saturday nights, and only until 10pm.

* That after 8pm students shall use the outside social spaces quietly and that this behaviour is to be proactively monitored and enforced by an agreed upon policy.

* That construction work or associated activities such as deliveries shall not take place at weekends.