Planning permission was being sought for the demolition of a part two storey part single storey range of buildings at 1-2 Seven Arches formally used as a registry office and temporary council offices during the Town Hall redevelopment. Following the completion of the Town Hall redevelopment, the building is now redundant and remains vacant. This proposal seeks to redevelop the site to include the construction of a replacement three

storey building comprising a mix of 11 one and two bed residential units (9 x 2 bed and 2 x 1 bed), together with associated vehicle and cycle parking, amenity provision, landscaping and refuse storage.

The application had been submitted to Brentwood Borough Council on behalf of Brentwood Development Partnership (the applicant) which is a joint venture between Morgan Sindall Investments Limited (MSIL) and Seven Arches Investment Limited (SAIL). A linked application had been submitted at Maple Close (application ref: 20/01809/FUL) for the construction of 9 residential units and a replacement community hall. The Maple Close development will act as the affordable housing donor site for the 1-2 Seven Arches Road development, which will be detailed further in the report below. The

applications should therefore be considered in tandem, since they are independent on meeting compliance for affordable housing requirements.

Ms Outram, Senior Planning Officer, presented the report to Members.

Cllr Dr Barrett, Ward Councillor, raised concerns regarding the affordable housing element in that the development was deficient in the affordable housing provision by two homes, offset by a S106 financial contribution.  Both Ms Outram and Mr Winslett, Strategic Housing Development Director, confirmed that they were satisfied that the 35% contribution to affordable housing was being met across the two development sites.

Concerns were also raised regarding the building line and other issues.   However, Ms McAllister, Design Officer, reiterated that extensive pre-app work had taken place and the development had been subject to Essex Quality review panel and planning officers on balance were satisfied with the design.

Cllr Cloke MOVED and Cllr McCheyne SECONDED that the application be APPROVED.  A vote was taken and Members voted as follows:

FOR: Cllrs Bridge, J Cloke, Jakobsson, McCheyne, Tanner and Tierney  (6)

AGAINST: (0) Cllrs Dr Barrett, Chilvers, Haigh and Mynott (4)

ABSTAIN: (0) Cllrs Fryd and  Keeble (2)

The application was APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1 TIM01 Standard Time - Full

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2 DRA01A Development in accordance with drawings

The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete

accordance with the approved drawing(s) listed above and specifications.

Reason: To ensure that the development is as permitted by the local planning

authority and for the avoidance of doubt.

3 Materials

No development above ground level shall take place until details of the materials  ...  view the full minutes text for item 755