Agenda item

Bournemouth Central Ward

7-2020-9602-G

Erection of 7 storey building comprising 40 flats with surface parking, cycle store and bin store and modification to vehicular access.

Bournemouth Central Ward

7-2020-9602-G

Erection of 7 storey building comprising 40 flats with surface parking, cycle store and bin store and modification to vehicular access.

Public Statements:

·       IN OBJECTION

None registered

·       IN SUPPORT

James Croker, on behalf of the applicant, Fortitudo Ltd

·       WARD COUNCILLORS

None registered

RESOLVED that the application be granted planning permission, contrary to the recommendation set out in the report, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement within three months of the decision to include heathlands contribution and highways mitigation measures, and subject to conditions to be agreed with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee, to include such matters as materials, architectural detailing, site management plan during construction phase, hours of operation, landscaping, highways, the position of external features such as piping, and obscure glazing as appropriate to protect residential amenity.

Reason for decision:

The height, scale and massing of the development is considered to be acceptable in the context of the character and appearance of the area, it is not detrimental to the Hinton Road street scene or the setting of adjacent non-designated and designated heritage assets and the adjoining Old Christchurch Road conservation area, and therefore the development is deemed to accord with Policy CS21 of the Core Strategy, Policy 6.10 of the District Wide Local Plan, and Policies D4 and D5 of the Town Centre Area Action Plan.  In addition, the failure to secure appropriate highways mitigation measures and the failure to make an appropriate contribution towards appropriate heathlands mitigation measures (Policy CS33) can be addressed by completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.

The benefits of the development include the number of units offered in a highly sustainable location, which may attract suitable occupants for the mix provided. Some impact on residential amenity may be addressed by condition.

In respect of the NPPF, it is considered that, in the absence of policies in the Framework providing a clear reason for refusal, the tilted balance applies and that any adverse impacts of the development do not outweigh the benefits when assessed against relevant policies.

Overall, the benefits of the development when balanced against concerns regarding the loss of employment use (Policy CS27), lack of unit mix, and residential amenity of future/neighbouring occupiers, are considered to be of sufficient weight to justify a departure from the relevant policies on this occasion.

Voting:

For – 9                   Against – 5            Abstentions – 0