Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Gawthrope

No interests were declared.

Approx: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

See attached 

Presentation by the Developer team

See published document

Key Issues raised by Councillors and responses by Developer team

1          Affordable housing and Private Rented Sector (PRS) housing – how much affordable housing will be provided, data provided on PRS is not pertinent, outline consent was granted for whole block to be car and cycle parking now that residential is proposed affordable housing needs to be provided.

Response: No Affordable Housing is provided it will be a Private Rented Sector Scheme.  A detailed PRS report is available and will be shared.  The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) recognises PRS as a significant contributor to the housing market. There is a significant and unmet demand. Investors want PRS close to stations and will not be able to provide land in too many locations in the city.

The Cycle Park was funded by the hotel development and the cost of the MSCP needs to be accepted in this scheme.  Across CB1 as a whole 40% of affordable housing has been delivered.  Residential development is supported by government policy.

2          Impact of barrel roof feature on residents of Ravensworth Gardens – concerned about metallic appearance, roof form could be taken to ground level.

Response: Barrel roof feature has been discussed with residents and there will be a further meeting prior to submission.  Architect referred to consented scheme and blank wall to boundary.  The scheme reaches balance between internal needs and impact on Ravensworth Gardens.

3          Animation of the street has not worked in other parts of CB1 e.g. student accommodation blocks, how will this be achieved?

Response: Agreed – ground floor has active frontage, pavement zone with trees.

4          Overlooking from Block F2. Oppressive impact given size of Block F2

Response: Outline consent gave permission for 9m from ground plus 2m plant room.

Proposals are for 1.5m higher – volume shifted away from buildings, side window look towards blank wall, some obscured glazing.

5          Vehicle and pedestrian movements within area to north of blocks, made more difficult by car park access, Chisholm Trail not recognised.

Response: This area will be a shared space where vehicle speeds will be low, access to car park and pedestrian access to car park was about separation. 

Provision is made for Chisholm Trail. Similar concerns were raised about Station Square which is designed as a shared space.  There will be safe access past the building.

6          Need for natural light within Block B2, Residential inside units at elbows seem to have no natural light?