Issue - decisions

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for erection of student accommodation with 219 student rooms (following demolition of existing buildings), together with ancillary accommodation comprising common / study rooms, laundry room, management office, plant room, bin and bicycle enclosures, landscaping and associated infrastructure including a sub-station.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of a nearby property on behalf of himself and his neighbours.

The representation covered the following issues:

     i.        Proposed heights exceed those suggested by planning guidance.

    ii.        Guidance suggests a robust test be applied.

   iii.        Visual images provided were poor and did not illustrate the impact on neighbours.

  iv.        Build line very close to Godestone Road.

   v.        Mass and height would dominate the area.

  vi.        Height of building excessive.

 vii.        Poor internal space.

viii.        Open spaces on the site would encourage unneighbourly noise and light pollution.

  ix.        General disturbance to area which had not been a feature of the previous use as a garage.

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

Resolved (by 5 votes to 1 with 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.