Redevelopment of site to provide a mix use including “community hub” (sui generis use) at ground floor, offices (Use Class B1) within part of the basement and part of the ground floor and the entire first floor, and 19 flats (4 x 1 bed and 15 x 2 bed) at second and third floor level.  Elevational alterations, roof extensions, a single storey colonnade extension to front east facing elevation and alterations to facilitate new vehicular and cycle parking layout, landscaping and boundary treatments.

Mr Broomfield, was present and addressed the committee is objection to the application.

Mr Beamish, the agent was also present and addressed the committee in support of the application.

During the presentation, the Officer including extra conditions to be added:-

•                     Prior to the commencement of development details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA of measures to enhance and, and if necessary, protect the habitat of the site for badgers, and the development shall then be carried out in accordance with those approved details

•                     Before the development is brought into first use and notwithstanding the submitted plans a pedestrian access shall be provided from the proposed refuse storage area to the footpath on Seven Arches Road.  Details shall be submitted to and approved by the  LPA and implemented in accordance with the approved details and shall be retained thereafter.

•                     Before development commences a scheme providing insulation to the external walls of the proposed mansard roof shall be submitted to and approved by the LPA and be implemented in accordance with the approved details, before the development is brought into first use.

Concerns were expressed from the Members, relating to design, the lack of disabled parking, DDA compilate, lack of amenity area and the relocation of the History Plaques and Pilgrims Staff.

Mr Drane, informed members that the location of the Pilgrims Staff at Town Hall was temporary and a new location will be consisted within the Town Centre Design Plan.

After a full discussion,  Cllr Wiles MOVED and Cllr Mrs Middlehurst SECONDED to APPROVE the application subject to the additional conditions from the Officer, together with a conditions relating to disabled parking and an amendment to Condition 9 to relocated the History Plaque.

An informative to be added relating the DDA access.

A vote was taken by a show of hands.

FOR:              Cllrs Bridge, Mrs Coe, Faragher, Mrs Middlehurst, Reed Sanders and Wiles (7)

AGAINST:    Cllrs Chilvers, Newberry, Morrissey and Mynott (4)

ABSTAIN:    (0)

RESOLVED that the application was APPROVED subject to the following conditions.

1.    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.    The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the approved drawing(s) listed in the report and specifications.  

Reason:  To ensure that the development is as permitted by the local planning authority and for the avoidance of doubt. 

3.    No development shall take place until samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the building hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. 

Reason:  In order to safeguard the character and appearance of the area. 

4.    No development shall take place until samples of windows and balustrades to be used in the construction of the building hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. 

Reason:  In order to safeguard the character and appearance of the area.

5.    The area for parking identified on the approved drawing shall be provided prior to the first occupation of the development hereby permitted and shall thereafter remain available for parking the vehicles of the occupiers of the building.   

Reason:  To ensure the adequate on-site parking is available in the interests of highway safety and maintaining the character and appearance of the area. 

6.    Notwithstanding the submitted plans and prior to the commencement of development details of the design of the cycle storage shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.  Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. 

Reason:  In order to safeguard the character and appearance of the area.

7.    Prior to first occupation of the proposed development, details regarding the location of the non-residential bin storage area shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.  Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.  

Reason:  In order to safeguard the character and appearance of the area. 

8.    Prior to first occupation of the proposed development, the Developer shall be responsible for the provision and implementation of a Residential Travel information ack per dwelling, for sustainable transport, approved by Essex County Council, (to include size one day travel vouchers for use with the relevant local public transport operator). 

Reason: In the interests of reducing the need to travel by car and promoting sustainable development and transport. 

9.    The development shall not be commenced until details of the treatment of all boundaries including drawings of any gates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure have been submitted to an approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The approved boundary treatments shall be completed prior to the first occupation of the development and shall thereafter be permanently retained and maintained.   

Reason: In the interests of safeguarding the character and appearance of the area and living conditions of adjacent occupiers.