Issue - meetings

Application for determination:-

Alteration, including partial demolition, refurbishment and restoration of Downings Malthouse and Downings Malthouse extension, the demolition and redevelopment of Provender Mill and the restoration and extension of the Transit Shed to provide commercial floorspace for  A3/A4 purposes at ground floor level in Downings Malthouse, Provender Mill and the Transit Shed, conversion of basement and ground floors of the Downings Malthouse extension for ancillary car parking and the upper floors of Downings Malthouse, Downings Malthouse extension and new build Provender Mill to provide 162 new residential units and the restoration of four three storey cottages. The development of the 105 bed hotel and freestanding unit for use for A3/A4 purposes on the site together with ancillary parking, turning, access and landscaping.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced his report which detailed an application for alteration, including partial demolition, refurbishment and restoration of Downings Malthouse and Downings Malthouse extension, the demolition and redevelopment of Provender Mill and the restoration and extension of the Transit Shed to provide commercial floorspace for A3/A4 purposes at ground floor level in Downings Malthouse, Provender Mill and the Transit Shed, conversion of basement and ground floors of the Downing Malthouse extension for ancillary car parking and the upper floors of Downings Malthouse, Downings Malthouse extension and new build Provender Mill to provide 162  new residential units and the restoration of four three storey cottages. The development of the 105 bed hotel and freestanding unit for use for A3/A4 purposes on the site together with ancillary parking, turning, access and landscaping.

He advised that the associated application for Listed Building Consent (15/01152/LBC) was also presented for Members’ consideration. He drew Members’ attention to the late material which contained a further representation, consultee responses and a revised recommendation.

Adrian Goodall of Rokeby Merchant addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Mr Goodall advised that the original proposals had been presented to the Regeneration Company three years ago and it had taken one year to address land ownership issues with a further two years to develop the master plan.

He stated that it was challenging to find viable uses for heritage assets and he believed that the new build element would be acceptable and viable.  This element would generate the funding needed to enable the external retention of the heritage assets.

He noted that the new build option for Provender Mill sought to retain the massing, elevator shaft and gable ends of the original building.

In conclusion he noted that the overall viability of the proposals was very fragile but Rokeby Merchant were fully committed to the whole scheme and could and would only take their profit on completion of the development. He had offered a ‘best endeavours’ commitment to build out the whole programme.

He explained that the developers were unable to offer any affordable housing but they were working with the Homes and Communities Agency to provide starter homes. He confirmed that if permission was granted work would start in the summer.

Councillor Smith believed that the proposal contained some delightful features but expressed concern regarding the balconies proposed for Provender Mill and the design of the drive through café. She was pleased that the overall scheme retained much of the heritage and was in keeping.

Councillor Hilton complimented the developers and their architects on their plans for the buildings which were in a state of disrepair following several fires and a long period of disuse. He welcomed the provision of the hotel, restaurants and residential accommodation.

Councillor McLellan welcomed the proposals for the derelict site and was pleased to see the condition requiring that a charge be made for parking. He believed that the proposed drive through café was out of keeping.

He noted that the access  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90