Agenda item

The representative of the Head of Development Management made the following points by way of introduction:-

The following points arose from questions and debate:-

a.        The application is for the proposed relocation and expansion of the existing Merchants Academy Primary School and Venturers Academy (an Autistic Condition spectrum (ACS) school).

b.       The intention is to create a new combined two-form entry primary school with a nursery and an expanded Autistic Condition spectrum School on existing land to the east of the existing Merchants Academy Secondary School site.

c.        The previous application at the site for a similar development (reference 17/03021/F) was refused by Development Control A on 29^th November 2017.  The reason for refusal was due to concern about overshadowing, overbearing and overlooking impact of the development on surrounding residential properties; together with the removal of 3 category A trees on site.

d.       An appeal against the decision is scheduled for the 3^rd October 2018.

e.        The applicants have made changes to the proposed scheme, including moving the main building away from the boundary to Hareclive road.

f.         This planning application received 11 objections from neighbouring residential properties sighting the impact of the height and proximity to their homes. 

g.        Officers support the changes that have been made to mitigate the reasons for refusal and are looking for approval of the scheme.

Members points of clarification

h.       Cllr Hickman sought clarity on the exact distance of the properties bordering the development and an answer to whether the distance would appear as a prison wall to a resident.

i.          The distance of 21metres is the measurement given in the local guidance.  The majority of the resident properties have 21 – 25 metres between their property and the development except for a property on the corner that is just 6 metres.

j.          Members requested that in future information shared with committee with specific details & particulars where it covered resident’s concerns are checked for accuracy.

k.        Concerns were raised over the width of the pavement along Hareclive road that would be the main thoroughfare, officers were asked what conditions could be applied.  Officers advised members that Highways would need to undertake the required feasibility study before any conditions could be imposed.

Member debate

l.          Cllr Eddy advised that he would endorse the development as he was satisfied that the applicant had made changes to mitigate the objections raised previously.

m.     Cllr Mead, noted the significant changes in the design and that the briefing provided insight into the difficulties of developing a site with children with autism being schooled in the vicinity.

n.       Members & Officers took some time to consider the issues around the pavement along Hareclive with the understanding that conditions could not be imposed.  The funds given under a S106 award could include in that agreement a term requiring funds to be apportioned to the improvement to a specific section of the highway.

o.       Cllr Stevens proposed that the issue of the pavement along Hareclive road is delegate to officers to investigate.

Resolved ( 6 approve; 2 Refuse; 1 Abstention) Grant subject to a condition to explore widening of pavement on Hareclive Road.