Agenda item

The Officer’s presentation:

a.       The application is for the installation of 8 modular homes (Solohaus) with associated on-site services, landscaping and amenity space to include bin store and cycle parking, remodelling of existing car park, and adjustment of existing access. 

b.       The application is being led by Hill Group in collaboration with the Salvation Army and BCC.

c.       The dwellings will be for temporary/move- accommodation for former rough sleepers; maximum stay 2 years to provide stability, to enable them to develop independent living skills to then move onto longer term housing solution. 

d.       The dimensions of each unit would only allow for a single bed for single person occupancy. Each unit would be 2.7 metres high, 7.9 metres deep and 3.8 metres wide providing a total of 24 Square metres of floorspace.  The units include a living and kitchen area to the front, central shower room and a bedroom to the rear.

e.       The units will be placed into two groupings, between the units will be a grassed amenity area with planting.

f.        The locality is well served with a number of off-street parking areas; this carpark is underused; the car parking spaces will be reduced from 45 parking spaces to 23.

g.       The public consultation resulted in 40 comments; 3 in support and 37 objecting; concerns with regards to anti-social behaviour; density of housing in the area; loss of car parking; proximity to the pre-school and loss of parking at the time of pick up and drop off.

h.       The development would also address the unofficial use of the car park by the public house for storage and delivery.  

i.         There are no major objections from statutory consultees.

j.         Officers recommend that planning permission is granted subject to planning agreement and conditions. 

Questions for Clarification

k.       The issue of agent of change was raised; the units would be in the vicinity of two public houses; concerns raised about noise arising from these business and impact on tenants. Officers confirmed that all necessary assessments would be undertaken; that the design of the units protected occupants from noise egress and ingress; triple glazing is proposed; data gathered on noise generation; pub contact details would be made available to tenants.

l.         The flat roof known as a ‘blue roof’ is design to hold water until it drains away; the units will have a level of thermal efficiency that would assist in reducing energy bills; heat pumps and all mechanical ventilation units will be maintained by the Salvation Army.

m.     Amenity Areas: each unit have small areas to the front and back; amenity area between the two sets of units; there is a local park.

n.       The units are below space standards and have strict conditions on length of tenancy; concerns raised about the difficulty in moving on to permanent addresses and that 2 years may not be sufficient time; assurance were given that the tenant would be well be supported by the Salvation Army; conversations would be ongoing if this becomes a stumbling block.

o.       Concerns raised over the removal of parking spaces from the vicinity of an active high street; Church Road that is a showcase bus route with little to no on street parking; the assessment demonstrated that, after the removal of 22 spaces, there was sufficient car parking spaces in the area available for customers of local businesses.

p.       Officers confirmed that assessment reports supported that this is an appropriate location for such a scheme; the scheme in St George park was seen as a success; the tenants have access to local shops on Church Road and public transport.

Debate

q.       Chair was in support of a development that would meet the need accommodation; agreed that the location was appropriate; that the Salvation Army organisation brought with it added personal support to the occupants

r.        Cllr Francis expressed her concerns about the location; on a car park near public houses; acknowledged that the properties would be well managed, and occupants supported by Salvation Army in a way that would not be possible if they were tenants in a tower block.

s.        Cllr Jackson noted that the development was similar to one in his ward; he had concerns but noted that they work well to address the need for first step tenancy; the length of the tenancy would prove challenging due to the time it takes to access rented accommodation.

t.        Cllr Brown expressed his concern about the size of the modules but would support.

u.       Chair moved, and Cllr Poultney seconded, that members support the officer’s recommendation to grant with the conditions set out in the report.

v.       When put to the vote:

RESOLVED: (7 for; 0 against; 1 Abstain) To Grant subject to the conditions set out in the report