Agenda item

Councillor Savage left the Chamber before the beginning of the next agenda item

EP introduced the application as above, reminding Members that an application for 10 flats was refused earlier this year, on the grounds of over-development and loss of community asset.  Since then, the applicant has had discussions with the Fairview Community Association and reached a good compromise in this application, in line with policy requirements as outlined in the report.  The officer recommendation is therefore to permit. 

Public Speaking:

Mr Colin Ballard, of Fairview Community Association, in support

Speaks as a representation of FCA, a growing group of local people who believe that national and local government policy give people a say in shaping their local environment.  The previous application was refused in February due to the loss of a valued local asset – the pub and associated function room – which would be detrimental to the Fairview Community. The FCA has subsequently worked with the developer to develop this space, which now includes a community facility.  During this time a Special Interest Group has emerged, independent of the FCA, with several proposals to use the space based on what the local community wants and can deliver.  The group is still working on its business plans, but initial ideas indicated that the community space will be part retail, part food, with an area for classes and a working hub.  The group needs stipulation that the space is for the local community rather than solely private or commercial activity, and has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with the developer to demonstrate both parties’ commitment to this collaboration.  The delivery of a community facility is still at an early stage, but Members should consider these very positive achievements since February.  If the Special Interest Group is unable to proceed for any reason, the FCA will want the space to continue as a community facility and would work with appropriate partners to achieve this.  Consequently, the FCA supports this proposal.

Councillor Jordan, ward councillor

Attended Planning Committee in February and addressed Members with a number of concerns about the previous application on this site, primarily the loss of the pub as a community space, in an area where very few such spaces exist; and secondly concerns about parking.  The building is empty and deteriorating and needs to be brought back into use.  Parking remains an issue for many residents, made worse by the County Council’s parking schemes in Pittville – he is assured that the County will look at this again in the new year.  The biggest issue, however, is the community space, and the developer has taken a responsible attitude towards this.  The FCA has carried out detailed survey work and established the need for a community space in this part of town and this is an opportunity to achieve it; a separate group is looking to establish a community interest company, and everything is moving in a positive direction. It is still early days, but granting of planning permission will move things forward.  There are no objections to the flats themselves from local residents; the bigger and wider issue – parking – is on-going, and shouldn’t be allowed to block this otherwise good proposal.  Thanks to the owner for taking the establishment of ground floor community space on board.  No planning permission is perfect, but is happy to support this one.

Member debate:

CH:  at the risk of sounding churlish, would have preferred the building to remain a public house, but realises this is not going to happen.  What has come out of this negotiation is very useful, with the shared retail/community space for FCA or the Special Interest Group to use.  The outcome is very interesting and a similar process should be followed elsewhere in town where similar issues may arise – a good model of what can be done when communities and developers work together.  Parking is clearly still an issue, and although the number of flats has been reduced, there will still be nine new residential dwellings here which will require parking space.  Councillor Jordan has stated that the County Council is going to look at parking schemes; suggests that the public house would have had a loading/no parking area outside – will this still be needed.  Notwithstanding, this is a really good outcome.  The space will be well used.  Is fully in support.

KS:  there are no conditions attached regarding the use of the community space.   if the Special Interest Group doesn’t work, will the space be used solely for commercial purposes?  This is a worry.

EP, in response:

-       The use class for the ground floor will be A1 retail, and we cannot control the end user.  However, negotiations have resulted in the Memorandum of Understanding, included in today’s update.  If community use of the space doesn’t progress, it will still have A1 use, and an alternative retailer will be able to use the space.

HM:  in consequence of this, can an informative be added, stating that any future owner will welcome community use of the ground floor space?

EP, in response:

-       Yes, it can.

Vote on officer recommendation to permit

11 in support - unanimous

PERMIT