Agenda item

Application for Determination:

Full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and structures (Grosvenor House) and the creation of mixed use development comprising two blocks; one with commercial, business and service floorspace (E Class), hotel (C1 Class) and multi-storey car park (sui generis), and the other comprising commercial, business and service floorspace (E Class); both with associated access, parking, cycle and bin storage, utilities infrastructure, highways works, public realm and landscaping works on land fronting Market Parade, Station Road and Bruton Way (forming plot 2, plot 4 and associated public realm and highways works of previous consent 18/01454/FUL for the redevelopment of Kings Quarter).

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report detailing an application for full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and structures (Grosvenor House) and the creation of mixed use development comprising two blocks; one with commercial, business and service floorspace (E Class), hotel (C1 Class) and multi-storey car park (sui generis), and the other comprising commercial, business and service floorspace (E Class); both with associated access, parking, cycle and bin storage, utilities infrastructure, highways works, public realm and landscaping works on land fronting Market Parade, Station Road and Bruton Way (forming plot 2, plot 4 and associated public realm and highways works of previous consent 18/01454/FUL for the redevelopment of Kings Quarter).

The Principal Planning Officer responded to members questions concerning the proposed additional height of the Plot 4 building and the loss of trees on the site as follows:

-        The applicant had indicated that the increase in height and office space in comparison to the previously approved scheme was required to make the scheme viable.

-        The loss of certain trees had been objected to by the tree officer.

-        The large tree in front of the taxi rank would be retained.

-        The applicant stated that they would plant new trees at a substantial size, which would be beneficial to the area early on in the scheme.

Members Debate

The Chair stated that he had some concerns with the proposed height of the Plot 4 building in the updated scheme but that he was broadly happy with the application on balance.

The Vice-Chair stated that he also had some concerns about the increased height of the Plot 4 building, but that he believed that the application could end up being an asset to the City of Gloucester. He also expressed his satisfaction at the proposed green planting at the sides of the carpark.

A member stated that she was concerned about the additional height of the Plot 4 building when compared to the original proposal and believed that it would be too domineering.

A member stated that he had concerns about aspects of the design and the proposed increase in height of the Plot 4 building.

A member stated that she believed that the proposed increase in height of the buildings for office space may be less relevant as the Coronavirus pandemic had changed the nature of office work.

The Vice-Chair stated that the reasonings for the height increase had been explained by the officer and that he understood it. He added that he would be voting in line with the officer’s recommendation.

A member stated that he wished to express his concern about the proposed increase of height of the Plot 4 building.

The Chair stated that he also had slight reservations about the increased height of the Plot 4 building but that he believed that the application would be beneficial for the City.

The Chair moved, and the Vice-Chair seconded the officer’s recommendation as amended in the late material.

RESOLVED that: - authority is delegated to the City Growth and Delivery Manager to GRANT planning permission subject to:

a) no new representations being received that raise new material planning considerations not considered in this report prior to 9th April 2021;

b) completion of a legal agreement/s to secure;

- Travel Plan monitoring fee of £10,000.00 over a 5 year period; and

- contribution of £10,000.00 to amend the Traffic Regulation Order to enable exclusion of the development from applying for business parking permits; 

and

the conditions contained within the Report with the amendments outlined in the late material.