Agenda and minutes

The Chair declared a personal interest in agenda item 5 (17/00729/FUL) as he was employed at a school.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th November 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7th November 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Please note that any late material relating to the applications detailed below will be published on the Council’s website as a supplement in the late afternoon of the day of the meeting.

Late material in respect of agenda item 5, application 17/00729/FUL, had been published on the Council’s website and copies were circulated.

Application for determination:-

Erection of a Primary School and associated infrastructure with car park and pedestrian and vehicular access from Clearwater Drive and pedestrian access to Eldersfield Ciose on land at Clearwater Drive, Quedgeley.

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report which detailed an application for the erection of a primary school and associated infrastructure with car park and pedestrian and vehicular access from Clearwater Drive and pedestrian access to Eldersfield Close on land at Clearwater Drive, Quedgeley.

She drew Members’ attention to the late material which contained further information from Gloucestershire County Council (Education and Capital). Gloucestershire County Council Asset Management, additional representations in support and in objection to the application together with further comments from the Case Officer on outstanding issues and an amended recommendation.

Councillor Hannah Norman, as Ward Member, addressed the Committee in opposition to the application.

County Councillor Mark Hawthorne, speaking as a member of the public addressed the Committee in opposition to the application.

Nathan McLoughlin, planning consultant, and Mrs Rachel Howie of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Members expressed concerns in respect of the following issues:-

·         Loss of important open space used by the public

·         Proximity of MUGA and playing pitches to residential properties

·         Potential for surface water run-off to affect residential properties

·         Noise and disturbance to neighbouring residential properties

·         Insufficient provision for drop off and lack of parking spaces within school grounds

·         Vehicular access and parking congestion via Clearwater Drive at peak periods

·         The demand for the school is not coming from the local area.

RESOLVED that the application be refused for the following reasons:-

Reason 1

The development of this site would result in the loss of an important open space highly valued by local residents, in an area where there is already a shortfall of open space. Insufficient mitigation or replacement facility has been proposed to compensate for this loss. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy SD4, SD14 and Policy INF3 of the Joint Core Strategy, Adoption Version 2017, Policy SR2, ST3 and BE21 of the Gloucester City Council Revised Deposit Local Plan 2002 and guidance within the Planning Policy Guidance and the NPPF

Reason 2

The layout of the proposal constitutes poor design in that it proposes to site the multi-use games area and playing pitches in close proximity to neighbouring dwellings and therefore is likely to result in unacceptable noise and general disturbance for residents of nearby dwellings. Therefore it is considered that the proposal is contrary to Policies SD4 and SD14 of the Joint Core Strategy, Adoption Version 2017 and Policies ST7, BE4, BE7, BE21 and FRP10 of Gloucester City Council Revised Deposit Local Plan 2002, and contrary to the Gloucester City Council Supplementary Planning Guidance “New Housing and Open Space and the guidance and principles set down within the Planning Policy Guidance and the National Planning Policy Framework.

Reason 3

The applicant has provided insufficient information relating to the proposed external lighting details and therefore on this basis, the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed lighting would not have a harmful effect upon ecology or residential amenity and is therefore contrary to policies SD9, SD4 and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

Application for determination:-

Eastgate Street facade refurbishment works, relocation of concrete artwork panels, extension of building at ground floor over highway, alteration of existing canopy over Eastgate Street, and subdivision of the former BHS retail store to provide a class A1 retail unit over ground and first floor along with a new class A1/A3 Cafe unit at ground floor and associated outdoor seating area at 25 – 31 Eastgate Street.

The Chair advised that this application had been withdrawn from the agenda.

Application for determination:-

Change of use from use Class D1 (non-residential institution) to use Class D2 (assembly and leisure) to open a fitness club, and installation of external plant to rear elevation (following refusal off application 17/00196/FUL – amended hours of opening proposed, at 133, Bristol Road.

The Planning Officer presented the report which detailed an application for change of use from use Class D1 (non-residential institution) to use class D2 (assembly and Leisure) to open a fitness club, and installation of external plant to the rear elevation (following refused application 17/00196/COU – Amended hours of opening proposed) at 133, Bristol Road.

She advised Members that an appeal had been lodged in respect of the previous refusal.

Councillor Pullen, as Ward Member, addressed the Committee on behalf of Councillors Stephens and Hampson and numerous residents in opposition to the application.

Harriet Ouroussoff and a companion addressed the Committee in opposition to the application.

Members expressed concerns including:-

·         The proposed siting of the air conditioning units

·         Conflict with the amenity of neighbouring residents

·         No staff would be on duty on the premises at times

RESOLVED that the City Centre Growth and Delivery Manager be authorised to grant consent subject to negotiations regarding the re-siting of the air conditioning units; and amendments to the recommended the conditions in the report to ensure that the car park hours are the same as those for the proposed use and that the  premises are staffed when the building is open to members and following consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.

To consider a schedule of applications determined under delegated powers during the month of October 2017.

Consideration was given to a schedule of applications determined under delegated powers during the month of October 2017.

RESOLVED that the schedule be noted.

Tuesday, 9^th January 2018 at 6.00 pm.

Tuesday, 9^th January 2018 at 6.00 pm.

The Chair wished all present a Merry Christmas.