PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION REGULATORY PANEL PART I SECTION 1: APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION. 4th Dec.2003 APPLICATION No: 03/46445/REM APPLICANT: McDermott Developments Ltd LOCATION: Former Playing Field Eccles College Bradford Road Eccles PROPOSAL: Details of the siting, design, external appearance of three three-storey buildings comprising 48 apartments, five 3 storey dwellings and 22 two-storey dwellings together with associated landscaping, carparking, construction of new vehicular access WARD: Eccles DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to land bounded by Bradford Road to the south, Eccles College to the north and east and the former Swinton Sewage Treatment Works to the west. The site constitutes part of the former playing fields of the college, which has the benefit of outline planning permission for residential development. Bradford Road to the south has two storey residential properties facing the site. Bradford Road borders the Ellesmere Park residential area. The south and west boundaries of the site are enclosed by mature and self seeded trees which screen internal areas of the site. There are some young trees within the site close to Folly Brook and there are is a group of mature poplars in the south east corner of the site that are visible from Cavendish Road. To site covers an area of 2.3 hectares which as mentioned above has been approved for residential development. The application (00/41483/OUT) was submitted in outline with all matters reserved for further approval. Members will recall that the means of access to the site from Bradford Road, opposite number 5 Bradford Road, has previously been approved (02/44837/REM). This application seeks approval for the reserved matters of siting, design, car parking and external appearance of 75 dwellings in a mixture of apartments and houses. Four 3 storey blocks of apartments containing 48 apartments are proposed along with five three storey townhouses and 22 two storey detached houses. One of the apartment blocks is 4.5m away from the proposed sports hall at Eccles College with non-habitable room windows facing the sports hall. An eight metre strip is proposed either side of Folly Brook and the area between Bradford Road and the Brook would be utilised for public open space. The applicant has submitted a supporting statement and details for the eradication of Japanese Knotweed on the site. Details submitted include information from the Environment Agency that explains juvenile trees in a 8m strip to the north of the Brook need to be removed for flood defence reasons. The application has been amended, the amendment includes the increase in number of units from 68 to 75 and has moved proposed dwellings away from the group of poplars at the north east of the site. 1 SITE HISTORY In 2002, reserved matters were approved for access onto the site from Bradford Road (02/44837/REM). In 2000, outline planning permission was approved for residential development. The application was submitted in outline with all matters reserved for further approval (00/41483/OUT). Attached to this permission was a Section 106 obligation requiring a financial contribution for Childrens Play Space and for traffic claming measures in the local area. Also required was the creation of an informal area of open space along the Bradford Road frontage. The Section 106 requires that a scheme is submitted for approval of the Council which should then be laid out prior to occupation of the first five dwellings or within 3 months of approval of those details (whichever is the later). This open land, including the 8m buffer clearance zone, is to be maintained by the developer in perpetuity. This Section 106 was also linked to permission 00/41482/OUT (development of Eccles College) and required a financial contribution toward sports pitches or replacement sports pitches. CONSULTATIONS British Coal – No objections Director of Environmental Services – Recommends a noise condition United Utilities – No objections subject to detailed criteria being met Ellesmere Park Residents Association – No objection subject to appropriate planting within the site and the strip along Bradford Road being utilised and maintained for public open space. GMPTE – Concern over pedestrian access to apartments Architectural Liaison Unit – Concerns over the height of fencing Environment Agency – Have verbally withdrawn an earlier objection following the submission of additional information regarding displaced flood water. PUBLICITY Site notices were displayed on the 8th July 2003 A press notice was published on the 10th July 2003 The following neighbour addresses were notified: 1a, 1b, 29 & 1 – 11 odd Bradford Road 50 – 84 even Cavendish Road 35a, 51a, 31 – 59 Cavendish Road 24, 35 Chatsworth Road 40 Ellesmere Road 1a, 1b, 1 – 11 odd Wellbeck Road 2 – 14 even Wellbeck Road 37 Westminster Road REPRESENTATIONS 2 I have received 15 letters of objection in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised:Loss of privacy from the three storey blocks Three storey blocks are unsightly and are out of keeping with surrounding two storey dwellings The three storey blocks should be positioned further away from Bradford Road Previous assertion that there would be no flats on the site and that densities would be lower Proposed density is too high Too much traffic would be created for the surrounding area Access to the site should be from where the existing temporary construction access to Eccles College is located There are no trees proposed within the development The strip between Bradford Road and the Brook should be utilised for recreation The trees within the strip should not be thinned until after all construction has taken place as it would act as a noise and dust barrier The trees when thinned should include some evergreen planting to screen the site throughout the year The trees should not be cut down Japanese Knotweed should be disposed of properly UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: H1 Meeting Housing Needs DEV1 Development Criteria DEV2 Good Design EN7 Conservation of Trees and Woodlands H6 & H11 Open Space Provision Trees: Protection and Planing SPG FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: H1 Provision of New Housing Development H8 Open Space Provision Associated With New Housing Development DES1 Respecting Context DES7 Amenity of Users and Neighbours DES9 Landscaping PLANNING APPRAISAL Both H1 policies seek an increase in the number of dwellings in the City and to ensure a mixture of dwelling types. The draft replacement H1 also seeks developments of at least 30 units per hectare and to ensure appropriate contributions to local infrastructure. Policies H6, H11 and H8 require appropriate associated levels of open space either on site or through a financial contribution. 3 Policy EN7 requires the safeguarding of the treescape whilst policy DES9 requires landscaping to be appropriate to the site. Policy DEV1 seeks, inter alia, to ensure the size and density of development are appropriate to the surrounding properties, to have regard to parking and traffic generation and to consider landscaping. DEV2 seeks good quality development to high visual standard. DES1 reiterates these themes. Both DEV1 and DES7 seek to ensure privacy is maintained for existing and future residents. Planning permission has been granted in outline for residential dwellings at the site and the principle of residential development is firmly established. I am satisfied that the level of traffic calming measures in the surrounding area within occupation of the first five dwellings, as required by the legal agreement, are acceptable for the scale of development proposed here. In addition the principle of the access onto the site has already been approved under the earlier approval 02/44837/REM. Objection has been raised to the density of development and to the introduction of three storey buildings which some objectors consider are unsightly. The density of 40 units per hectare (net) is considered to be appropriate to this site within an established residential area of the City, given that the Policy H1 requires a minimum of 30 units per hectare. I consider that the development would result in the proposed buildings being appropriately spaced between themselves and also with existing residential properties on Bradford Road. Indeed the applicant has submitted a section showing the relationship between the proposed houses and apartments. There is a distance of 47m between the proposed three storey flats and existing two storey houses on Bradford Road, the minimum standard distance would be 24m. In addition to almost double the separation distance regarding privacy and sunlight/daylight there is a tree canopy between Bradford Road and Folley Brook. The Director of Environmental Services recommends a condition requiring a noise assessment for the apartment block (plots 59 to 70) given the proximity to the proposed Sports Hall of Eccles College. Comments from the EPRA are for this tree canopy to be thinned to create public open space and a cycle route. Tree coverage could remain and some residents have suggested a planting scheme that would include a mixture of evergreens to provide year round greenery. I consider the introduction of some evergreens in the planting scheme could enhance the amenity of existing and future residents. Objection has been received in relation to the lack of landscaping details within the site and that no trees are shown. The applicant has explained that they wish to submit detailed landscaping proposals for the site as part of a detailed landscaping condition. The amendment to the scheme has allowed for the retention of the group of poplars in the south east of site which are visually prominent over a wide area. The Section 106 further requires the laying out and maintenance of open space. Given that a tree screen will be retained I consider the proposal to be in accordance with Policy EN7 and that landscaping conditions will be imposed for the site and landscaping strip to include details of trees to be removed and to be planted would be in accordance with policy DES9. 4 The layout of the development includes 60 parking spaces including disabled spaces for the 48 flats which provides a ratio of 125% parking deemed acceptable under current parking standards. Cycle parking is also proposed within the site. Parking ratios of 200% are proposed for the 32 houses however this is considered appropriate given the large size of the houses proposed. The applicant has agreed to provide landscaping within the car parking area. I consider the level of parking to be suitable for the site and to accord with City of Salford parking standards. The design of each dwelling is different from its neighbouring plot, except for the row of townhouses. The apartments have variation in the ridge level, one apartment is an L-shape, which adds interest to the buildings exterior. The variation in elevation design, footprint size, roof level and appearance together with appropriate landscaping ensures that the development would have interest and would satisfy policies DEV1 and DEV2 with regard to the appearance. I also consider that 1.8m high property enclosures will maintain the appearance without impinging upon security. I have no objections to the design, layout or density of the development. I am satisfied that conditions imposed upon landscaping are appropriate in addition to the legal obligation for the setting out and continued maintenance of the open space alongside Bradford Road and either side of the Brook. The developer also has to pay a financial contribution of £119,935 for capital and maintenance payments for children’s play space in addition to the requirement of traffic claming works. I have no highway objections and recommend approval subject to the following conditions. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. Standard Condition D03X Samples of Materials 2. Standard Condition F05D Provision of Parking 3. The developer shall submit for the approval of the Director of Development Services an assessment / prediction calculation to determine the external noise levels that the proposed residential apartments (plots 59 - 70 of approved site plan 020789/01/E) will be subjected to (daytime and night). The developer shall detail what steps are to be taken to mitigate the disturbance to future occupiers in order to comply with World Health Organisation recommendations for reasonable living rooms / sleeping accommodation. The building envelope shall be capable of attenuating the external noise to BS8233 (Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings - Code of Practice). Where appropriate, the report shall identify any sound attenuation measures necessary to protect the proposed dwelling(s) and garden areas. The assessment and mitigation measures shall be submitted for the approval of Development Services. Any approved mitigation measures shall be implemented prior to occupation. Where any guideline noise levels can not be met with partially open windows, alternative means of forced mechanical ventilation, which must be sound attenuating, shall be provided. Once approved such assessment shall be implemented prior to the occupation of plots 59 - 70 hereby approved. 5 (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 2. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 3. Standard Reason R024A Amenity of future residents Note(s) for Applicant 1. The Director of Development Services (Main Drainage Section) should be consulted regarding details of drainage. 2. The applicant's attention is drawn to the contents of the attached letter from the Environment Agency. 3. The applicant is reminded of the Section 106 obligation from the outline permission 00/41483/OUT and of the requirements for a commuted sum, setting out and maintenance of open space and traffic calming measures. 4. For further discussions regarding the requirements condition 3, the developer/noise consultant is advised to contact the Pollution Control Section of the Directorate of Environmental Services (Tel: 0161 793 2113). 5. This permission shall relate to the site layout drawing 020789/01/E as received on the 27th October 2003. APPLICATION No: 03/46789/FUL APPLICANT: Graham Hill Associates Ltd LOCATION: Clifton Grange Nursing Home Little Moss Lane Swinton PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing nursing home and construction of one three storey block comprising 39 apartments and one four storey block comprising 20 apartments and associated car parking including alterations to existing vehicular access WARD: Swinton North 6 DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to an existing nursing home situated at the junction of Little Moss Lane and Carlisle Street. The existing nursing home complex includes a separate building in use as apartments and this building is excluded from the application site. The building used to be a mill and is now surrounded by residential development. To the north east, adjoining the site is a single storey warehouse building. It is proposed to demolish the existing part two part three-storey building and replace it with two buildings, one of three storeys providing a total of 39 apartments and one of 4 storeys providing 20 apartments. The existing building is located at the back of footpath and it is proposed that the replacement three storey building would be set back from the existing building line by between 3m and 3.5m on the Carlisle Street frontage, by 3.5m on the Little Moss Lane frontage and by between 5m and 5.5m where it backs on to the rear gardens of new houses on Hinchley Way. These houses would be over 23m from the proposed building. The four-storey building would also be set back from the footprint of the existing three storey building on the site, by 1.5m from the houses on Hinchley Way and by 0.5m from houses on Torside Way. A mix of two and one bedroomed apartments are proposed, 21 two bed and 38 one bed. A total of 35 car parking spaces are proposed and access would be from Little Moss Lane utilising the two existing access points into the site. Apart from the informal open space surrounding the building there would be a garden area located centrally on the site. CONSULTATIONS Director of Environmental Services – No objections in principle but requests conditions regarding noise and contamination Greater Manchester Police Architectural Liaison Unit – Have concerns regarding the location of entrances to the two buildings and with the lack of defensible space. PUBLICITY The application has been advertised by means of both site and press notices The following neighbour addresses were notified: 2 to 14 Vickers Close 2 to 24 Berry Street 1 to 23 Centaur Close 2 to 24 Hinchley Way 2 to 12 and 11 Turside Way 4 to 14 and 31 to 35 Carlisle Street 1 to 13 and 2 to 18 Dryad Close 7 2 to 14 Rosehill Road 1 and 2 Rosehill Mews 1 and 2 Newtown Close REPRESENTATIONS I have received four letters of objection in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised:4 storey building will be too high and overbearing Overlooking Overdevelopment of the site Traffic problems Noise Not enough car parking spaces Out of character with the surrounding area UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: H9/17 Sites for New Housing Other policies: DEV1 Development Criteria, DEV2 Good Design, T13 Car Parking REVISED DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: DES1 Respecting Context, DES7 Amenity of Users and Neighbours PLANNING APPRAISAL The principle of residential development on previously developed land is one that is fully supported by both local and national planning policy and the site forms part of a housing allocation. The existing building is located at the back of footpath on its Carlisle Street elevation and close to the rear boundary with new houses to the rear of the site and I consider that there is benefit in both street design terms and in the effect of this site on neighbours in the demolition of the existing buildings and a replacement, on a better footprint of a new building. I consider that the main planning issues are whether or not the development that is proposed amounts to overdevelopment of the site and whether the layout provides adequate amenity and outlook for future occupiers. 8 I am satisfied that with regard to the proposed three storey building the additional floor that is proposed is compensated for by the building being pulled away from neighbouring houses by between 5m and 5.5m. With regard to the proposed four storey building this is on a very similar footprint to the three storey building that it replaces. The design has been amended so that the windows on the top floor that overlook private rear gardens would all be velux windows. There are no habitable room windows that overlook houses on Hinchley Way. The proposed building is 1.6m higher than the building that it replaces. Given that the proposed building is just 5.5m from the boundary with the closest dwelling and is just 0.5m further away than the existing building I consider that residents of this closest house and of houses on Hinchley Way would have a feeling of being overlooked and dominated by this taller building. With regard to the layout, despite improvements being made to the application, there remain apartments that have main habitable room windows looking out directly on to roads, parking areas and in one case just less than 4m from the proposed bin store. I do not consider that this is acceptable and would be contrary to policies DEV1 and DEV2. I have no objections on highway ground to the development and consider that given the mix of one and two bed apartments and the relative proximity of Manchester Road there are sufficient car parking spaces provided. I do not consider that the development is out of character as it replaces part of a former mill building. Although the development is fully supported in principle I consider that there are a number of deficiencies with regard to size and siting of the 4 storey building and the site layout and therefore, on balance, I recommend that the application be refused. RECOMMENDATION: Refuse for the following Reasons: 1. The proposed development would by reason of its size and siting have a significant detrimental effect on the amenity of neighbouring residents as a result of overlooking and loss of privacy and would also have an overbearing effect on neighbouring residents contrary to policy DEV1 of the City of Salford Unitary Development Plan. 2. The proposed development by reason of its poor design and layout would result in an unacceptable outlook for future occupiers of the development contrary to policies DEV1 and DEV2 of the City of Salford Unitary Development Plan. 9 APPLICATION No: 03/46916/FUL APPLICANT: Audbury Projects Ltd LOCATION: Land Off Bagot Street Wardley Swinton PROPOSAL: Erection of a three storey block comprising of 24 two-bedroomed apartments together with alterations to an existing vehicular access WARD: Swinton North DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to an existing builders yard. The site is bounded by houses on Manchester Road to the north, by Bagot Street, an unmade private road to the west, by a vacant site on which planning permission has recently been granted for residential development to the east and by the Swinton/Wigan railway line to the south. The railway lies in a cutting and beyond it is the Wardley Industrial Estate. It is proposed to demolish the existing buildings on the site, these comprise workshops and stores and a pair of houses fronting Longview Drive, one of which is used as the builders’s yard offices. It is proposed to erect a three-storey development comprising twenty-four two-bedroomed apartments. Vehicular access would be from Bagot Street and the street would be made up to adoptable standards by the developers. A total of 24 car parking spaces would be provided. The apartments would take the form of a single terrace running the length of the site. The building has been designed so that it provides interest with three different sizes of window, breaks in the brickwork and gables. The building would be located to the rear of the site adjacent to the railway and would be between 3.5m and 0.5m from the boundary with the railway line. Beyond the boundary there is a wide area of rough land before the land drops into the cutting with the tracks themselves over 25m from the boundary. Open space is provided in two areas, one of which measures in excess of 100sq.m. Habitable rooms all face away from the railway line. SITE HISTORY Two previous outline applications on the same site was withdrawn earlier this year (02/44961/OUT and 03/45337/OUT) CONSULTATIONS British Coal – No objections in principle. Environment Agency – No objections in principle but requests that a condition be attached regarding contamination. 10 Director of Environmental Services – No objections in principle but requests conditions regarding noise and contamination. Greater Manchester Police Architectural Liaison Unit PUBLICITY The application has been advertised by means of both site and press notices. The following neighbour addresses were notified: 2 and 4 Longview Drive 555, 569 to 579 and 583 to 593 Manchester Road REPRESENTATIONS I have received one letter of objection in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised:Loss of privacy Development will be overbearing Loss of light Loss of parking space on Bagot Street UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: EC3 Re-Use of Sites and Premises, DEV1 Development Criteria, DEV2 Good Design, T13 Car Parking FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: E5 Development Within Established Employment Areas, DES1 Respecting Context, DES7 Amenity of Users and Neighbours, A10 Provision of Car, Cycle and Motorcycle Parking in New Developments. PLANNING APPRAISAL Policy EC3 relates to the re-use of vacant industrial and commercial sites and premises. It states that the Council will seek to re-use or develop them for similar or related uses except in certain circumstances that include where they could be used for other purposes without resulting in a shortfall in the supply of industrial land or premises; where alternative employment generating activity would be more appropriate or where there is a strong case for rationalising land uses. Policy DEV1 states that the City Council will have regard to a number of factors when considering 11 applications. These factors include the relationship of the development to existing and proposed land uses, the size and density, the likely scale and type of traffic generation, the amount of car parking provision, the effect on neighbouring properties, the visual appearance of the development and open space provision. Policy DEV2 states that the City Council will not normally grant planning permission unless it is satisfied with the quality of design and the appearance of the development. Policy T13 states that the City Council will ensure that adequate and appropriate car parking and servicing is made where necessary. The policies of the replacement plan are similar to those of the adopted UDP with regard to this proposal. With regard to the objection that has been received the proposed building would be at least 27m away from the rear of the houses on Manchester Road and 15m from the rear garden areas. These distances are in excess of normal Council requirements and I do not therefore consider that the proposed development would represent a loss of privacy or would be overbearing. Similarly I do not consider that there would be any loss of light as a result of this development. The scheme would require Bagot Street to be upgraded to adoptable standards and I consider that this would be of benefit to neighbours. At present there is no pavement between Longview Drive and Manchester Road and I consider that any loss of informal car parking is more than compensated for by the increased pedestrian safety. I consider that the main planning issue is how far the development accords with planning policy. I am satisfied that given the residential surroundings this site is not appropriate for alternative employment generating uses and that the loss of this employment site would not result in a significant loss of employment land. I am satisfied for the reasons outlines above that the development would not have any significant detrimental impact on any neighbouring property and I therefore consider that the size and density of the development are acceptable. I have no objections on highway grounds to the development and I consider that the provision of one parking space per apartment is adequate and appropriate given that the development is located close to Manchester Road, a main public transport corridor. The visual appearance of the development has been improved and subject to a careful use of materials I am confident that the quality of the design and the visual appearance of the development are acceptable. I consider that adequate meaningful amenity space has been provided. The application would result in the re-use of a previously developed site in an accessible location and is appropriate and consistent with the relevant policies of both the adopted and replacement UDPs. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. Standard Condition A01 Five year time limit 12 2. No development shall be started until samples of the facing materials to be used for the walls and roof of the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. 3. The site shall be treated in accordance with a landscape scheme which shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Development Services before development is started. Such scheme shall include full details of trees and shrubs to be planted, walls, fences, boundary and surface treatment and shall be carried out within 12 months of the commencement of development and thereafter shall be maintained to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. Any trees or shrubs dying within five years of planting shall be replaced to the satisfaction of the Director of Development Services. 4. Standard Condition F03X Surfacing 5. Prior to the commencement of development full details of the layout of the junction of Bagot Street and Manchester Road shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. No dwelling shall be occupied until the junction and the rest of Bagot Street has been constructed in accordance with such details as are approved and the approved application. 6. Prior to the commencement of development an assessment shall be undertaken to determine the external noise levels from surrounding roads, trains and industrial uses that the proposed development will be subjected to (daytime and night). The assessment shall detail what steps are to be taken to mitigate the disturbance from the above and shall have due regard to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Planning Policy Guidance Note 24 - Planning and Noise and also to BS4142 1997 - Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas. The building envelope shall be capable of attenuating the external noise to BS8233 - Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings - Code of Practice) and World Health Organisation recommendations for a reasonable standard for living rooms / sleeping accommodation. The assessment and mitigation measures shall be submitted for the approval of the Director of Development Services prior to the commencement of development. Any approved mitigation measures are to be implemented in full prior to the occupation of any dwelling. Prior to the discharge of this condition a Completion Report shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. The Completion Report shall validate that all works undertaken on the site have been completed in accordance with those agreed by the Director of Development Services. 7. Prior to the commencement of development, the developer shall submit a site investigation report for the approval of the Director of Development Services. The investigation shall address the nature, degree and distribution of contamination and ground gases on the site and its implications on the risk to human health and controlled water receptors as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Part IIA. The investigation shall also address the health and safety of the site workers, also nearby persons, building structures and services, landscaping schemes, final users on the site and the environmental pollution in ground water. The sampling and analytical strategy shall be approved by the Director of Development Services prior to the start of the survey, and recommendations and remedial works contained 13 within the approved report shall be implemented by the developer prior to occupation of the site. A site completion report including details of post remediation ground conditions for the site shall be completed and submitted to the Director of Development Services prior to occupation of the site. The site completion report shall validate that all works undertaken on site were completed in accordance with those agreed by the Director of Development Services. (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R000 Section 91 2. Standard Reason R008A Development-Buildings in vicinity 3. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 4. Standard Reason R012A Parking only within curtilage 5. Standard Reason R025A Intervisibility of users of highway 6. Standard Reason R024A Amenity of future residents 7. Standard Reason R024A Amenity of future residents Note(s) for Applicant 1. The Environmental Services Directorate can be contacted on 0161 793 2139 for further discussions concerning the assessment of noise and subsequent mitigation measures. APPLICATION No: 03/47021/FUL APPLICANT: Radford Educational Trust LOCATION: Land Bounded By Bury New Road And Broom Lane Salford 7 PROPOSAL: Erection of a new school, creation of play areas, together with associated landscaping, car parking and alteration to existing vehicular access WARD: Kersal DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This proposal relates to the site of the former Brentnall Primary School at the junction of Bury New Road and Broom Lane. It is proposed to demolish the existing school, which has been vacant 14 for a number of years, and construct a new school on the site. The Beis Yaakov High School for Girls would replace the current Hubert Jewish High School for Girls on Radford Street. The existing school, a large detached converted house, is in a poor state of repair. There are a number of temporary buildings in the grounds and limited external play areas. The school wishes to improve its facilities and therefore wishes to relocate to this site. The site is bounded by Broom Lane to the north, Bury New Road to the west, residential properties to the east and Hanover Court, which is due to be demolished in the near future, to the south. The site has a 130m frontage to Bury New Road, a 84m frontage to Broom Lane and covers approximately 1.5 hectares. At its longest point, the proposed school would be 76m and 50m at its widest. The proposed building would be part single, part two storey, due to the existing change in levels. The single storey element would be in the region of 4m in height, with the two storey section 8.2m Vehicular and pedestrian access to the proposed school would be achieved from Broom Lane, close to the boundary of the site with Ozanam Court. The existing vehicular entrance closest to the junction of Bury New Road and Broom Lane, would be used only by pedestrians. A service road would lead to the southern part of the site, enabling access for emergency and delivery vehicles and allowing access to the playground. Seven full time and thirty three part time staff would be employed at the school. There are currently 173 pupils at the existing school. The proposed school would be able to accommodate 275 pupils, with a possible increase to 295 should the school expand to include a sixth form. Eleven staff and visitor car parking spaces, plus two disabled spaces, would be provided in a dedicated parking area to the north of the site close to the vehicular entrance. Hard play areas would be provided at both the upper and lower site levels, which could also be used for overflow parking areas for an additional 108 cars, for example during parents’ evenings, functions and community use. The hard surfaced games courts comprise two areas for tennis and netball. These would both be surfaced in tarmac. There are a number of trees on the site, some of which are covered by a Tree Preservation Order. A total of 57 trees would be felled, including some which are the subject of the TPO, although replacement planting would be included as part of the proposal to compensate for those lost as a result of the development. These would be planted along the boundary of the site with Bury New Road and along the boundary with the proposed boys’ school on Legh Street. CONSULTATIONS The Director of Environmental Services – advises that conditions be attached requiring a noise survey and site investigations Police Architectural Liaison Officer – no objections to the principle of the proposal. Advises that the school be designed to meet the minimum criteria of the Secured By Design Award. Environment Agency – no objections 15 PUBLICITY A site notice was displayed on 20th October 2003 A press notice was published on 16th October 2003 The following neighbour addresses were notified: 1-44 Broomedge, Broom Lane 63-67 (O) Broom Lane 1-10 Ozanam Court, Broom Lane 1-25 (O), 35-41 Legh Street 2-7 Cliffe Grange, Bury New Road Mandley Park School, Northumberland Street 414, 416 Great Clowes Street REPRESENTATIONS I have received two letters of objection in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised: Increase in traffic Increase in noise UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: DEV1 – Development Criteria DEV2 – Good Design DEV4 – Design and Crime T13 – Car Parking EN7 – Conservation of Trees and Woodland SC3 – Education Land and Buildings SC4 – Improvement/Replacement of Schools REVISED DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: DES1 – Respecting Context DES11 – Design and Crime DES13 – Design Statements EHC0A – Provision and Improvement of Schools and Colleges A10 – Provision of Car, Cycle and Motorcycle Parking in New Developments PLANNING APPRAISAL 16 Policy DEV1 outlines a number of factors to which regard should be had in the determination of applications for planning permission. Of most relevance to this application are the location of the proposed development, including its relationship to existing and proposed land uses, the size and density of the proposal, the likely scale and type of traffic generation, the amount of car parking provision, the layout and relationship to existing and proposed buildings, the visual appearance of the proposed development and the impact on existing trees on or adjacent to the development site. Policy DEV2 states that planning permission for new developments will not normally be granted unless the Council is satisfied with the quality of the design and appearance of the development. Regard should be paid to the character of the surrounding area. Policy DEV4 outlines the importance of crime prevention and personal and property security in the design of new development. Regard will be had to a number of factors, including the detailing of the building, the relationship of car parking to the building, the provision of security features, the layout of hard and soft landscaped areas and the position and height of fencing and gates. Policy T13 states that the Council will ensure that adequate parking and servicing is provided to meet the needs of new development. Policy EN7 states that the Council will support the retention of trees, increase the area of trees within the city and ensure that new tree planting is designed to contribute to wildlife conservation, recreation and education opportunities as well as landscape quality. Policy SC3 states that the Council will safeguard land and buildings in educational use. Policy SC4 states that the Council will endeavour to make good deficiencies in school facilities through the development of new or replacement facilities. Policy DES1 requires development to respond to its physical context, respect the character of the area and contribute to local identity and distinctiveness. Policy DES11 updates Adopted Policy DEV4. Policy DES13 requires applicants for major developments to demonstrate how the proposal takes account of the need for good design. The statement should explain the design principles and how these are reflected in the development’s layout and visual appearance, the relationship of the development to the site and the wider context and how the design accords with the Council’s design policies and objectives. Policy EHC0A states that planning permission for the replacement of schools on existing sites will be granted provided that the development would not have an adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring uses, secure adequate playing field and other recreation provision in accessible and convenient locations, be accessible to the community by a range of means of transport, not give rise to unacceptable level of traffic congestion or have an adverse impact on highway safety in terms of traffic generation and make provision for community use of the building and grounds. 17 Policy A10 states that development should not exceed the Council’s maximum car parking standards and provide safe and secure parking facilities. I will deal with each of the objections received in turn. Whilst it is likely that the proposal would result in a small increase in traffic in the area, I do not consider that this would be so great so as to be detrimental to highway safety. The site is adjacent to the Bury New Road Quality Bus Corridor and is therefore accessible by public transport. In addition, many of the future pupils of the school live within walking distance and would therefore travel to the site on foot. I am therefore satisfied that the proposal would be accessible by a choice of transport modes and I therefore have no objections to the proposal in this regard. The Director of Environmental Services has no objections to the proposal and has taken potential noise generation into account. I am therefore satisfied that neighbouring residents would not be unacceptably detrimentally affected by this proposal. Although the application is unallocated in both the Adopted and Revised Deposit Draft Replacement UDPs, it is identified in SPG5, Higher Broughton Regeneration Area, for use as school accommodation. In view of this, and in light of the fact that the site had been in use as a school for a number of years, I have no objection to the principle of a new school in this location. The application would address the deficiencies in school provision for the Orthodox Jewish community, in accordance with Adopted UDP Policy SC4. The applicant has also secured Government funds for the construction of a school on this site. It is important to assess the application against each of the criteria of Policy EHC0A of the Revised Deposit UDP. I do not consider that that proposal would have an unacceptable detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring uses. Rather, I consider that the proposal would form an integral part of the improvements to the wider area. The application proposes a total hard play area of 3680sqm, within the site, compared to the recommended range for a school of this size of between 3365sqm and 3947sqm from BB85, the DfEE guide to good practice for school grounds. I therefore consider this provision to be sufficient. In addition, the future pupils of the school would use the existing playing fields at the Broughton Jewish Primary School, which they would travel to and from on foot. I therefore consider that the second criterion of this policy is satisfied. As discussed above, the site is in location accessible by a choice of transport modes and as many of the pupils live in close proximity to the site, it is anticipated that the majority would travel to and from the school on foot. I do not consider that the proposal would give rise to unacceptable levels of congestion or have an adverse impact on highway safety. The applicant has also confirmed that the school could be used by the local community on a regular basis. In light of the above, I consider the proposal to be in accordance with Policy EHC0A of the Revised Deposit UDP. The applicant has confirmed that, for religious reasons, Jewish girls do not cycle to school and therefore requests that any requirement to provide cycle parking facilities within the site be considered in light of this fact. In view of this, I do not consider it essential to require the school to provide cycle parking facilities, particularly given that the majority of pupils are expected to travel to and from the school on foot, which would itself reduce reliance on the car. Thirteen car parking spaces are proposed in a dedicated parking area, with the option of utilising the hard play areas for 18 overflow parking at particularly busy times. Given the number of staff to be employed on the premises and in light of the Council’s maximum car parking standards, I consider the proposed number of spaces to be sufficient. I therefore consider that the proposal accords with Policy T13 of the Adopted UDP and Policy A10 of the Revised Deposit UDP. In accordance with Policy DES13, the applicant has submitted a design statement. This addresses the design principles and the siting and layout of the proposal. SPG5 mentions the inclusion of a ‘landmark feature’ at the junction of Bury New Road and Broom Lane. However, as the building would be an orthodox girls’ school with an ethos of personal modesty, any show of exuberance has been avoided and the applicant has therefore decided not to include any kind of ‘beacon’ at the entrance to the school. The applicant considers that the proposed school would make a statement about community regeneration, rather than individual aspects of it and that the proposed building would achieve an appropriate balance, being both suitably dynamic in character whilst avoiding ostentation. As it is also proposed to retain a large number of trees along the Bury New Road and Broom Lane boundaries of the site, as well as providing additional planting where required, views of the proposed school would be relatively limited. The wish for pupil modesty has also informed the siting of the proposed school, with the entrance to the school at the northern part of the site, forming a ‘public zone’, with a more ‘private zone’ to the centre and southern parts of the site. The curved wall of the building has been included to demonstrate the protective nature of the school. I have attached a condition requiring samples of the materials for the external elevations and roof to be attached prior to the commencement of the development. However, the applicant has indicated that the materials would include timber and brick, which I consider to be acceptable in principle. In light of the above, I also consider that the proposal accords with Policy DEV2 of the Adopted UDP and Policy DEV1 of the Revised Deposit UDP The application has been amended to take the comments of the Police ALO into account. The applicant has confirmed that a number of measures would be incorporated into the ground floor of the building to make it more secure. These include limited perimeter recesses, slot-type openings rather than large pane windows, flush detailing to prevent climbing and toughened and laminated glass rather than shutters. It is proposed to enclose the site using fencing or railings. I have attached a condition requiring full details of this to be submitted and approved prior to the commencement of the development. However, it is anticipated that, in accordance with advice from the ALO, it would be in the region of 2.4m in height. The applicant no longer proposes to retain the entrance on Bury New Road following the ALO’s comments. Given the above measures, I am satisfied that the proposal accords with Policy DEV4 of the Adopted UDP and Policy DEV11 of the Revised Deposit Draft UDP. A total of 57 trees would be felled. The site has been visited by the Council’s arboricultural officer, who agrees that of those to be felled, 27 are in a poor condition and are not worthy of retention. However, the remaining 30 would be felled to allow the development to go ahead and not because they are in a poor condition. The majority of these trees are located both at the heart of the site, and need to be felled to allow the school itself to be built, and along the boundary of the site with Broom Lane and need to be felled in order to achieve the necessary sight lines at the proposed new vehicular entrance. Following detailed investigation of all of the alternatives, this has been identified as the only possible access point into the site and it is therefore crucial to the scheme and to highway safety that the trees identified be felled. On balance, I therefore have no objections to 19 the felling of these trees, subject to satisfactory replacement. Given the nature of the proposal, its design and the regenerative benefits it would bring to the area, I am of the opinion that the felling of those trees within the centre of the site is acceptable, again subject to replacements, particularly given that some of the replacement trees would be planted on the boundary with Bury New Road and would therefore make a greater contribution to the amenity of the area, as they would be highly visible. Given that some of the trees to be felled are in a poor condition and that the Council’s arboriculturist does not consider them to be worthy of retention, I do not consider it reasonable to require the applicant to replace these on a two for one basis. However, I do consider that the remaining 30 should be replaced by a minimum of 60 trees and I have attached a condition to that effect. Given the size of the site and the number of replacement trees shown on the plans, I am satisfied that a minimum of 60 trees could be accommodated within the site. The applicant has confirmed that a large number of replacement trees would be planted along the boundary of the site with the proposed boys’ school on Legh Street. The reasons for such planting are twofold: firstly, it is consistent with the Orthodox wish for modesty, as it would screen the site from the boys’ play areas; and secondly, it would provide a curriculum habitat study area. I have also attached a condition requiring a landscaping scheme to be submitted and approved prior to the commencement of the development. In conclusion, I consider that the proposal would make efficient use of a previously developed site and would make an important contribution to the regeneration of the wider area. I am satisfied that there would be no detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents or on highway safety. Although a number of trees would be felled, I consider that, on balance, their loss is acceptable in order to allow the site to be redeveloped and improved and given that a large number of replacement trees would be planted. I am satisfied that the application accords with the relevant provisions of the Adopted and Revised Deposit UDP and I therefore recommend approval. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. Standard Condition A01 Five year time limit 2. No development shall be started until samples of the facing materials to be used for the external elevations and roof of the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. 3. Prior to the commencement of the development, the developer shall submit a site investigation report for the approval of the Local Planning Authority. The investigation shall address the nature, degree and distribution of ground contamination and ground gases on the site and shall include an identification and assessment of the risk to receptors as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Part IIA, focusing primarily on risks to human health and controlled waters. The investigation shall also address the implications of ground contamination on the health and safety of site workers, on nearby occupied building structures, on services and landscaping schemes and on wider environmental receptors including ecological systems and property. 20 The sampling and analytical strategy shall be approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to the start of the site investigation survey. Recommendations and remedial works contained within the approved report shall be implemented by the developer prior to the occupation of the site. Prior to discharge of the Contaminated Land Condition, a Site Completion Report shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval. The Site Completion Report shall validate that all works undertaken on site were completed in accordance with those agreed by the Local Planning Authority. 4. Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, a scheme for the ventilation of the internal kitchens and bathrooms shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. The approved scheme shall be implemented prior to occupation of the building. 5. The site shall be treated in accordance with a landscape scheme which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services before development is started. The scheme shall include full details of trees and shrubs to be planted, walls, fences and boundary and surface treatment. As part of the scheme, a minimum of 60 trees shall be provided within the site, the species and location of which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services prior to the commencement of development. The approved scheme shall be carried out within 12 months of the commencement of development and thereafter shall be maintained to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. Any trees or shrubs dying within five years of planting shall be replaced to the satisfaction of the Director of Development Services. 6. Standard Condition C03X Fencing of Trees/no work within spread (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R000 Section 91 2. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 3. Standard Reason R024A Amenity of future residents 4. Standard Reason R005A Amenity-neighbours 5. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 6. Standard Reason R009 Safeguard Existing Trees Note(s) for Applicant 1. For further discussions regarding the requirements of the Contaminated Land Condition, the 21 applicant is advised to contact the Pollution Control Section of the Directorate of Environmental Services (0161 793 2139) 2. The applicant is advised that connection to the sewer will require approval from United Utilities 3. The applicant is advised that the sewer connection should be to the south of the school to prevent flooding due to backflow. APPLICATION No: 03/47033/COU APPLICANT: The University Of Salford LOCATION: The Old Fire Station Crescent Salford 5 PROPOSAL: Change of use from art gallery and offices to conference room and offices including rear part single/part two storey extension to include staff rest room/coffee lounge, new lift shaft and plant ventilation room WARD: Blackfriars DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to the former fire station on the Crescent that used to be owned by the City Council but which has recently been sold to the University of Salford. The University proposed to convert the building to offices to provide new accommodation for the Vice-Chancellor and other chief officers. The University would also use Joule House, that adjoins the former Fire Station but as this has established use as offices it does not form part of this application. A new Council Chamber would be provided on the ground floor and the University has stated that the new facility would also be used for conferences. The proposed lift shaft and 2 storey extension housing the plant ventilation room would be located to the rear of the property behind the existing hose-drying tower, hidden from Fire Station Square. The single storey rear extension would measure 10m by 7m and would extend to 12m from the closest house, 30 Fire Station Square. This room would have a largely brick elevation to the Square and a glazed elevation to 30 Fire Station Square. It would have a partly pitched roof and would be finished in slates and bricks to match the existing building. The roof to the lift and plant ventilation room would be flat-roofed. The proposed conversion retains two of the three fireman’s poles and also retains the internal stairs in the hose-drying tower. 22 SITE HISTORY Planning permission was refused for the erection of a 3m extension to the tower and the installation of telecommunications equipment. (02/43176/TEL) CONSULTATIONS Director of Environmental Services – No objections in principle. PUBLICITY The application has been advertised by means of both site and press notices. The following neighbour addresses were notified: 1 to 30 Fire Station Square REPRESENTATIONS I have received 10 letters of representation and objection in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised:Lack of car parking Loss of light Noise and disturbance especially during conferences and other special events Extension is too big and is of poor design Loss of privacy Front of houses in the Square cannot be changed and neither should this side Loss of value UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none Other policies: EC3 Re-Use of Sites and Premises, EC5 Conversion of Existing Buildings to Employment Generating Uses, EN11 Protection and Enhancement of Conservation Areas, EN13 Works to Listed Buildings and Buildings Within Conservation Areas, DEV1 Development Criteria, FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: CH5 Works Within Conservation Areas Other policies: DES1 Respecting Context, DES7 Amenity of Users and Neighbours, ECH3 University of Salford 23 PLANNING APPRAISAL Policy EC3 states that the City Council will seek to re-use existing vacant premises for similar or related uses. Policy EC5 states that in considering applications for the change of use of an existing building regard will be had to a number of factors that include the likely impact on residential amenity and the ability of land associated with the building to accommodate parking and surfacing requirements. Policy EN11 states that the City Council will seek to preserve or enhance the special character of areas of architectural and historic interest. It goes on to state that regard will be had to encouraging the retention and improvement of existing buildings and encouraging high standards of development that are in keeping with the character of the area. Policy EN13 states that in considering applications to alter buildings within a conservation area the City Council will have regard to a number of factors that include the importance and condition of the building. Policy DEV1 states that the City Council will have regard to a number of factors when considering applications. These factors include the size of the proposed development, the likely scale and type of traffic generation, the amount of car parking provision, noise, the effect on neighbouring properties and the visual appearance of the development. The policies of the replacement plan are similar to those of the adopted UDP with respect to this proposal. Policy ECH3 states that planning permission will be granted for development that supports the University of Salford’s role as a higher education establishment of national and international importance where this is consistent with the other policies and proposals of the UDP. It goes on to state that development proposals will be permitted provided that they meet a number of criteria that include securing access improvements and are of a high quality of design. With regard to the objections that have been received the majority relate to the problems that already exist with regard to parking issues. Although there is no car parking associated with the former fire station the University has confirmed that the new accommodation would be used by existing employees all of whom currently park on the University car park at Irwell Place and that there would be no reason why any employee would try to park in Fire Station Square. With regard to visitors they would all be directed to use the Irwell Place car park. The single storey extension is bounded on two sides by the existing building and would be approximately 12m from the front main elevation of the closest dwelling and therefore I do not consider that the development would result in any significant loss of light to any neighbouring properties. The two storey elements would be largely hidden from view by being located behind the higher hose-drying tower. The application is clearly primarily for office accommodation for the most senior officers of the University. It is reasonable to expect that occasionally the requirement to entertain visitors and to host meetings and conferences will arise. I do not consider that there is any reason why noise and disturbance arising from such occasions would be to the significant detriment of neighbours. The proposed extension measures approximately 70sq.m and it provides seating for only those same number of seats in the Council Chamber. I do not consider that it is too big. With regard to the design the architect has taken care to use the same materials as on the existing building and has 24 minimised the amount of glazing that faces Fire Station Square at the same time as avoiding a completely blank brick elevation. I consider that the design is perfectly adequate. The architect has proposed to glaze the elevation that faces the closest dwelling and while the extension would only be in occasional use I do consider that a scheme for the obscure glazing of this elevation should be attached in order to protect privacy to the neighbouring dwelling. Many objectors have stated that they are not allowed to alter the appearance of the front of their properties and that therefore the University should not be allowed to alter the fourth side of the Square. I do not agree with this argument as it is the back of the Fire station that faces the Square. The back of the building has no symmetry and it would be unreasonable to refuse to allow any extension at all to the building on the basis that it faces the Square and the residents are constrained from making alterations. Loss of value is not a material planning consideration that can be taken into account. I consider that the main planning issue is how far the development accords with planning policy. I am satisfied that the proposal is fully supported by policies in the UDP that relate to the re-use of vacant buildings, the bringing back into use and the maintenance of buildings within a conservation area. I am satisfied for the reasons outlines above that the development would not have any significant detrimental impact on any neighbouring property. I have no objections on highway grounds to the development. The visual appearance of the development is of a high standard has been improved and subject to a careful use of materials I am confident that the quality of the design and the visual appearance of the development are acceptable and that the development would result in an enhancement of the Conservation Area. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. Standard Condition A01 Five year time limit 2. Standard Condition D03X Samples of Materials 3. Prior to the commencement of development a scheme showing how the glazed gable elevation of the proposed extension shall be obscure glazed so minimise loss of privacy to the neighbouring residential property shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. The extension shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the approved scheme. 4. The site shall be treated in accordance with a landscape scheme which shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Development Services before development is started. Such scheme shall include full details of trees and shrubs to be planted, walls, fences, boundary and surface treatment and shall be carried out within twelve months of the commencement of development and thereafter shall be maintained to the satisfaction of the Local Planning 25 Authority. Any trees or shrubs dying within five years of planting shall be replaced to the satisfaction of the Director of Development Services. (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R000 Section 91 2. Standard Reason R007A Development-existing building 3. Standard Reason R005A Amenity-neighbours 4. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area APPLICATION No: 03/47024/FUL APPLICANT: University Of Salford (Fao T A Stevens) LOCATION: Former Site Of Farmer Norton Co. Adelphi Street Salford 3 PROPOSAL: Construction of temporary car park including alterations to existing vehicular access WARD: Blackfriars DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to the former site of Farmer Norton Co., Adelphi Street, Salford 3. The site is bounded by Peru Street to the north, beyond which is the University’s Adelphi Building, Adelphi Street to the west, Cleminson Street to the south and residential properties to the east. The site has been vacant for a number of years. The University proposes to use the land for car parking for a period of two years. This site is required whilst a new health and social sciences faculty building is constructed on land at Broad Street/Statham Street, adjacent to Salford Crescent Station. Permission for that building was granted in November 2003. Part of that site is currently used as a car park for in the region of 400 vehicles, which would be unavailable whilst construction of the new building is underway. At the end of the two year period, and on completion of the faculty building and associated car park, the former Farmer Norton site would be vacated and parking would revert back to the Statham Street site, where in the region of 260 car parking spaces would be provided. The University also proposes to provide car parking at other locations within the Campus in order to redress the shortfall in parking spaces. Such proposals are the subject of separate planning applications. 26 Vehicular access onto the site would be from the existing access on Peru Street, where card controlled barriers would be installed. That section of the car park would be surfaced with tarmac. Pedestrian access would be provided from Peru Street and Cleminson Street and there would be a 3m wide pedestrian route through the site linking the two access points. The existing brick walls which currently surround the site would be tidied up and made the same height and the existing openings on Cleminson Street and Adelphi Street would be filled with brickwork to match the existing. The car park surface would comprise the existing concrete slabs with 100mm/150mm stone infill where required. The existing concrete slabs would be cleared of vegetation and cleaned down as necessary. A section of the site at the junction of Adelphi Street and Cleminson Street would not be used for car parking as the University considers it unsuitable at the present time due to the differences in levels. It considers that it would be too expensive to make this area suitable for parking, particularly considering the temporary nature of the proposal and that a sufficient number of spaces can be accommodated within the site without utilising this area. In the region of 380 cars would be accommodated within the site. The parking bays would not be marked. Instead, timber parking rails would be provided which would be 1.2m in height and would have vertical posts at 2.4m intervals denoting the parking spaces. The applicant has confirmed that the car park would only be used between the hours of 8am and 6pm. The University has confirmed that the trees and bushes which form the boundary between the site and the rear of the properties on Devine Close would be retained. Only small areas of shrubs and bushes within the centre of the site would be cleared, which are shown on the amended plans submitted by the applicant. CONSULTATIONS The Director of Environmental Services – no objections Police Architectural Liaison Officer – no objections to the principle of the proposal, but queries whether lighting on the Adelphi Building would be adequate. The ALO also suggests reducing the height and density of existing shrubbery within the site and the installation of automatic barriers at the entrance of the site. Chapel Street Residents’ Forum – no comments to date PUBLICITY A site notice was displayed on 17th October 2003 A press notice was published on 23rd October 2003 The following neighbour addresses were notified: 1-18 Devine Close 1, 6-12 (E) Encombe Place 25 Bank Place 27 3-35 The Old Court House, Encombe Place REPRESENTATIONS I have received one letter of objection in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised: The trees and bushes along the eastern boundary of the site would be removed UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: CS1 - Trinity Other policies: DEV1 – Development Criteria T13 – Car Parking REVISED DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: MX1/2 – Development in Mixed Use Areas (Chapel Street West) Other policies: A1 – Transport Assessments and Travel Plans A10 – Provision of Car, Cycle and Motorcycle Parking in New Developments PLANNING APPRAISAL Policy CS1 relates to the refurbishment and renewal of the Trinity Housing Estate and the adjacent commercial areas. Emphasis will be placed on improving the local environment and providing off-street parking. Policy DEV1 outlines a number of criteria against which applications for planning permission are assessed. Of most relevance to this application are the location and nature of the proposed development, including its relationship to existing and proposed land uses, the relationship to the road network, the likely scale of traffic generation and the relationship to existing buildings. Policy T13 states that the Council will ensure that adequate and appropriate car parking is provided where necessary. It also requires car parks to be of a high standard in terms of access arrangements, surfacing, boundary treatment and security. Policy MX1/2 of the Revised Deposit Draft Replacement UDP outlines the uses which are considered appropriate in Chapel Street West, which include essential infrastructure and support facilities. Policy A1 states that planning applications for developments likely to give rise to significant transport implications will not be permitted unless they are accompanied by a transport assessment. Although Policy A10 specifically relates to the provision of parking within new developments, it has some relevance to this application, requiring parking facilities to be safe and secure. 28 I will deal with the objection received. The plans have been amended from those originally submitted and the University now proposes to retain the shrubs, trees and bushes on the eastern boundary of the site. However, and as suggested by the ALO, the vegetation within the remainder of the site would be cleared. The University has confirmed that there would not be any on-site security. However, there are security staff at the entrance to the Adelphi Building on the opposite side of Peru Street, who would also be responsible for the security of this car park. It is not proposed to light the car park, as there is no electricity supply currently within the site. The University therefore considers that providing lighting on the site itself would prove too costly, particularly given the temporary nature of the car park. In addition, the University only proposes to use the car park between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Should lighting be required, the University may provide this on the Peru Street elevation of the Adelphi Building, opposite the application site. In light of the above, I am satisfied that the proposed car park would be satisfactorily secure, in accordance with policies T13 and A10. The University has submitted a Transport Assessment in accordance with Policy A1 of the Revised Deposit Draft UDP, which looks at the impact of the proposed car park on the surrounding road network. In particular, it assesses the impact on the junction of Adelphi Street and Chapel Street. The information provided demonstrates that there would be no adverse impact on the surrounding road network as a result of this proposal and I therefore have no objections to the application in this regard. In conclusion, I consider the use of the site for car parking for a period of two years to be appropriate. The proposal accords with the relevant provisions of both the Adopted and Revised Deposit UDPs. I therefore recommend approval. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. The use hereby permitted shall cease on or before the expiration of two years from the date of decision unless a further permission is granted by the Local Planning Authority. 2. The trees and shrubs indicated on the approved plan located along the eastern boundary of the application site shall be maintained for the duration of the use of the car park hereby approved. (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R043 Application for temporary consent 2. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 29 APPLICATION No: 03/47066/OUT APPLICANT: E Boydell LOCATION: 25, 27, 29 Moss Lane Cadishead PROPOSAL: Outline planning application for use of land for residential purposes WARD: Cadishead DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to an existing vehicle repair garage at 25, 27, 29 Moss Lane, Cadishead. The site is set back 6 metres from Moss Lane and would not encroach past the existing building line fronting the highway, which is marked by an existing palisade fence. The site is located in a residential area and is enclosed by a perimeter fence to the front and sides and a 2 ½ metre high wall to the rear. Next to the eastern edge of the site is an existing established manufacturing use, which is a source of noise in the immediate locality. To the rear garden of number 31 are two mature trees and trees are also located outside the south-east corner of the site. An average distance of 14 metres exists between the rear of the properties on Hawthorn Drive and the existing boundary wall located at the south of the site. The windows on the eastern elevation of 31 Moss Lane are approximately 5 metres from the western boundary of the site, which measures 30 metres long by 30 metres wide. Outline consent is sought for the use the land for residential purposes. All matters are reserved. In order to accommodate the proposed dwellings on the site, the development would involve demolition of the existing Fitting and MOT Testing Centre. SITE HISTORY An outline planning permission (96/35746/OUT) was granted in 1996 for the redevelopment of the site for residential purposes. CONSULTATIONS Director of Environmental Services – no comments to date PUBLICITY A site notice was displayed on 5th November 2003 30 The following neighbour addresses were notified: 7 to 13 (odds) Hawthorn Drive 19, 21 to 23 and 30 to 46 Moss Lane REPRESENTATIONS I have received 10 objections in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised by local residents: Loss of privacy Overlooking Distances between existing and proposed buildings and from Moss Lane Height of proposed buildings Loss of light Size and density of proposed buildings Density of occupation Increase in noise levels Disturbance, nuisance and litter associated with the period of construction Parking provision Type of unit / Use of the buildings / Type of tenure Proposed boundary treatments Ownership of garden wall to rear of site Developer for the site is unknown Loss of value Insufficient information for neighbours to determine if the proposal is beneficial or detrimental to the area UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: EC3 Re-use of Sites and Premises EN20 Pollution Control T13 Car Parking DEV1 Development Criteria DEV2 Good Design DEV7 Development of Contaminated Land FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: H2 Location of New Housing Development 31 DES1 Respecting Context DES7 Amenity of Users and Neighbours ST3 Employment Supply A10 Provision of Car, Cycle and Motorcycle Parking in New Developments E5 Development Within Established Employment Areas EN13 Contaminated Land EN14 Air Pollution, Noise, Odour and Vibration PLANNING APPRAISAL Policy EC3 states that where existing industrial sites become vacant the City Council will seek to re-use or redevelop them for similar or related uses except where a number of criteria apply. Policy DEV1 states that regard should be had to a number of issues when determining applications for planning permission, including the effect on sunlight, daylight and privacy for neighbouring properties and the visual appearance of the development. Policy DEV2 states that the City Council will not normally grant planning permission, unless it is satisfied with the quality of design and the appearance of the development. Policy T13 states that the City Council will ensure that adequate parking provision is made where necessary and that the car parking standard for a new dwelling should be 2 spaces. The First Deposit Draft Replacement Plan stipulates that there should be a minimum average of 1.5 spaces per dwelling, in line with national planning guidance contained within PPG13. Other policies of the First Deposit Draft Replacement UDP are generally similar to those of the adopted plan in respect to this development. The principle of residential use on this brownfield site is acceptable in terms of the character and appearance of the area and is in accordance with the sequential approach to development encouraged in draft Revised UDP policy H2 and policy DP1 of Regional Planning Guidance. However, I have concerns about the amenity of future occupiers of the development in relation to the noise produced from the existing neighbouring business and the risk of contaminated land on the site. I consider that the operations of the adjacent manufacturing unit will be compromised if permission is granted for residential use on the neighbouring land without the implementation of remedial measures, which would conflict with Revised Deposit UDP policy E5. The loss of the existing employment use on the site due to residential development would not result in a material shortfall in available sites because the existing premises is small and is relatively isolated as an employment use. Therefore, policies EC3 and ST3 do not prevent the re-use or redevelopment of the existing commercial premises for residential development. Policy EN20 prevents the development of housing where existing pollution (including air, noise, land contamination, dust, vibration and odour) is unacceptable unless it can be demonstrated to the Council that the development includes sufficient improvement measures to reduce the nuisance to an acceptable level. It also controls development, particularly around sensitive uses such as housing, which would cause an unacceptable increase in existing pollution levels. However, I am of the opinion that the proposed dwellings and the associated external amenity space would be subject to noise produced from the existing adjacent business, which would cause an unacceptable nuisance to future occupiers without appropriate protective measures. Thus, the proposal requires a condition regarding noise to make the development consistent with the requirements of policy EN20 of the adopted UDP or policy EN14 of the First Deposit Draft UDP. 32 With regards to the objections raised in relation to noise and disruption during the construction period. I have attached a note to the applicant regarding construction site noise and hours in which works can be undertaken, as recommended by the Director of Environmental Services. In relation to noise and traffic generated by the site post construction, I am of the opinion that given the area of the site is 900 metres squared the residential use of the site and limited number of housing units would not have a significantly greater adverse impact on the locality than the existing commercial use of the site. I am of the opinion that there is sufficient space on the 900m sq site and between the existing properties to accommodate residential development that would not result in loss of privacy, loss of light, overlooking or over development of the site. Furthermore, I consider that the siting of the proposed dwellings, assessed at the reserved matters stage, can be controlled to maintain sufficient separation distance between the proposed buildings and the existing trees situated within the rear gardens of neighbouring properties because the tree canopies do not appear to overhang the site. Issues such as density of occupation, the size, density and height of the proposed buildings and proposed boundary treatments, which were raised in the objections will be controlled at the reserved matters stage. Some objectors believe insufficient information had been provided in the application to determine if the proposal would be detrimental to the area. This is an outline application and all matters are reserved. The site is considered to be of adequate size to accommodate residential development. The precise layout and numbers of dwellings will be the subject of a future application. The ownership of the wall to the rear of the site may be a private issue and is not a material planning consideration in the determination of this application. Loss of value and type of tenure is not a material planning consideration and the type of dwelling unit is not under consideration at this stage. I am satisfied that the issues raised in the objections and my concerns regarding noise and contaminated land can be controlled by the conditions as listed below and at such a time as the application for reserved matters is considered. Hence, I recommend approval. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. Standard Condition A02 Outline 2. Standard Condition B01X Reserved Matters 3. Standard Condition M03 Contaminated land 4. No development shall be started until full details of a scheme for the acoustic double glazing of 33 the windows of all living rooms and bedrooms have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. Such a scheme shall thereafter be implemented concurrently with the building works to ensure that no dwelling is occupied until such time as the associated acoustic double glazing has been installed to the satisfaction of the Director of Development Services. 5. No development approved by this permission shall be commenced until a scheme for the disposal of foul and surface waters has been approved by the Director of Development Services. Such a scheme shall be constructed and completed in accordance with the approved plans. (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R002 Reserved Matters 2. Standard Reason R002 Reserved Matters 3. Standard Reason R024A Amenity of future residents 4. Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the future occupants of the development in accordance with policy DEV 1 of the City of Salford Unitary Development Plan. 5. Standard Reason R024A Amenity of future residents Note(s) for Applicant 1. Please contact United Utilities regarding the requirement for approval for sewer connections and drainage arrangements. 2. Please see attached guidance on construction site noise. Please note that work shall only be carried out between 0800 and 1800 hours Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 0800 and 1300 hours on Saturday. APPLICATION No: 03/47069/HH APPLICANT: Mr Ian Foulkes LOCATION: 19 Mill Brow Worsley PROPOSAL: Erection of a single storey front extension, two storey rear extension and alterations to the existing windows (resubmission of planning application 02/43633/HH) 34 WARD: Worsley Boothstown DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to a detached house located within the Worsley Village Conservation Area. The site is located at the top of Mill Brow and is flanked by 21 Mill Brow at a slightly higher level to the north east; and 3 and 4 Waterbridge at a lower level (approximately 1.3 M) to the south. The proposal is for the erection of a single storey extension to the front of the house which incorporates a sunken garage below ground level. It also includes the demolition of the existing single storey WC, utility and conservatory to the rear of the property, and the erection of a part single/part two storey rear extension in its place. The final element of the proposal is for the construction of a box window on the south elevation which would project 1.1m from the wall and would be 2.4m in height and 4.2m in width. It would provide access to the garden area. The front element of the proposal would have a dog-leg shape and would cover a maximum floor area of 8.5m X10.5m. The sunken garage aspect would be at a depth of 2.7m below ground level. The rear element of the proposal is two fold. The two-storey element would project from the corner of the property. It would extend 1.9m from the north elevation and 1m from the east elevation. It would incorporate high-level windows in the east elevation which would provide light to a bathroom. The single storey element would replace the existing conservatory and would adjoin the two-storey element of the proposal. It would measure 5.9m X 3.5m and would infill the area between the existing dining room and the existing north facing main wall of the house. The box window would be cantilevered and would project 1.1m from the south elevation of the house. It would measure 4.1m (width) X 2.3m (height). The three elements of the proposal would have flat roofs and a contemporary/modern design. SITE HISTORY In 1995, planning permission was granted for a single storey conservatory although when work commenced the extension that was constructed fell within permitted development rights. The existing attached garage was converted into living accommodation at about the same time, this again was permitted development. In June 2003 planning permission was refused for a single storey side extension and a two storey rear extension. CONSULTATIONS British Coal – No objections PUBLICITY A press notice was published on 30th October 2003. 35 A site notice was displayed on 20th October 2003. The following neighbour addresses were notified: 21, 112 and 113 Mill Brow 3 and 4 Waterbridge REPRESENTATIONS I have received 1 letter of objection in response to the planning application publicity from the occupiers of 4 Waterbridge. Councillor Karen Garrido has requested that the Panel consider this application due to the scheme’s contemporary design and location within the Worsley Village Conservation Area. The objectors have raised the following issues: The proposal would introduce a TV/day area window less than 21m from their lounge and bedroom window contrary to HH1 and the screening is not adequate to prevent overlooking. In addition, this window would directly overlook their garden contrary to HH2. The proposed two-storey element would be in breach of the distance between their lounge and bedroom window contrary to HH3. The proposed two storey element has a flat roof which would be visible from at least five neighbouring properties contrary to HH5. The proposal is completely different in design from the existing building and from the surrounding area. The building materials proposed are completely different from the existing building style. The two storey element of the proposal may damage trees which are the subject of a Tree Preservation Order. UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: EN 11: Protection and enhancement of conservation areas EN 13: Works to Listed Buildings and Buildings in Conservation Areas FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: CH1: Proposed World Heritage Site Other policies: CH 5:Works Within Conservation Areas PLANNING APPRAISAL Policy EN11 states that the City Council will seek to preserve and enhance the special character of areas of architectural and historic interest and shall have regard to the retention and improvement 36 of existing buildings and mature trees. This is reiterated in CH5. Policy EN13 states that, when considering proposals to alter buildings within conservation areas, regard should be given to the importance of the building and the condition of the building. Policy CH1 states that planning permission will not normally be granted for development that would detract from the character, appearance, or setting of the proposed World Heritage Site. 1. The TV/day area would not come any closer to the objector’s property than the existing conservatory. Therefore, I hold the view that the proposal would not lead to a significant loss of privacy for the objector and maintain the proposal is in accordance with HH1 of ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance – House Extensions’. This same window would be at least 7m from the common boundary shared with the objector and would not overlook their garden. In my view the proposal is not contrary to HH2. 2. Guidance Note HH3 of ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance – House Extensions’ asks for a minimum distance of 13m from a two storey gable to a ground floor habitable room window which is directly facing. Given that the objector’s property is approximately 1.3m lower in level than the applicant’s property the seperation distance should be at least 14.3m. The proposal would introduce a gable at least 15m from the objectors habitable room window and the window would not be directly facing. I am of the opinion that the proposal is in accordance with HH3. 3. The three issues raised relating to the design of the proposal can be dealt with together. I acknowledge that the proposal is contemporary in design and incorporates the use of flat roofs which are not normally acceptable under the guidance of HH5. However, in this case it is my opinion that the flat roofs make a positive contribution to the overall character and modern design of the proposal. The City’s Conservation Officer has been consulted on the proposal and supports the design being proposed. He feels the design is in keeping with the existing dwelling which reflects elements of the facing materials being used for the adjacent properties (i.e white render, timber boarding). He feels the proposal is an acceptable modern contrast to the neighbouring properties. There should not be a presumption in a conservation area that all new development must match the materials and design of the existing building. 4. The City’s Arboricultural Officer has inspected the plans and site and does not support the view that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the health of the protected trees on site. The front element of the proposal would be hidden behind an existing hedge which is 3m in height and 2m in depth. Therefore I feel this element would not have a detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents or the character of Mill Brow. The plans indicate that this hedge would be retained. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 37 1. Standard Condition A01 Five year time limit 2. No development shall be started until samples of the facing materials to be used for the timber panelling of the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. 3. The render shall be the same type, colour and texture as that of the existing building, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Director of Development Services. 4. Standard Condition C04X Fencing of Trees protected by T.P.O. 5. Standard Condition C05C No topping etc to Trees protected by TPO (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R000 Section 91 2. Standard Reason R007A Development-existing building 3. Standard Reason R007A Development-existing building 4. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 5. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area APPLICATION No: 03/47086/FUL APPLICANT: Westbury Homes Holdings LOCATION: Agecroft Hall Residential Site Agecroft Road Pendlebury Swinton PROPOSAL: Erection of a four storey building comprising 49 apartments together with associated car parking (Amendment to planning permission 03/46300/FUL) WARD: Pendlebury DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to the Westbury Homes site on Agecroft Road, formerly the Thermalite site, opposite the Agecroft Commerce Park. The original permission for the site was granted 38 following a public inquiry at the end of 1998 and the reserved matters application was approved in July 2002, planning reference 02/43597/REM. This granted permission for 287 dwellings comprising a mix of houses and apartments erected around a central village green area surrounded by a green open swathe. In August this year permission was granted for an amendment to the layout approved under the reserved matters application in the north western corner of the site, reference 03/46300/FUL. This amended the apartments to be provided within two “U” shaped blocks positioned at an angle away from each other but retained the 20m landscaping buffer that was required as part of the outline approval following the public inquiry. This application is now seeking an amendment to permission 03/46300/FUL to re-site the apartments within two angular “U” shaped buildings which would be positioned 27m apart to mirror each other about a central point. Within this central area there would be a courtyard area with 22 car parking spaces. The remainder of the spaces – 26 spaces – would be provided along the frontage 3m back from the site boundary. Again, the landscaping buffer would be retained on the frontage. CONSULTATIONS British Coal – no objections. Director of Environmental Services – recommends that a noise assessment and a site investigation are undertaken. Greater Manchester Geological Unit – the gas protection measures appear to be sufficient but their installation should be Quality Assured on site. Greater Manchester Architectural Liaison Officer – would prefer that footpaths around the site were moved off the face of the building by 1.5m – 2m so that strangers were not taken to the ground floor windows. PUBLICITY A press notice was displayed on 23 October2003. A site notice was displayed on 27 October 2003. The following neighbour addresses were notified: 40 – 82 Agecroft Road Manor Lodge, 1 – 15 Agecroft Road 1, 2 Dauntesy Avenue REPRESENTATIONS I have received no response to the application publicity. UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: EN17 Croal Irwell Valley 39 Other policies: DEV2 Good Design, DEV1 Development Criteria, DEV4 Crime and Design, H6 and H11 Open Space Provision within New Housing Development FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: none. Other policies:DES1 Respecting context, DES11 Design and Crime PLANNING APPRAISAL The application relates to the north western corner of the site which has been granted permission earlier this year and therefore the main issues to be addressed relate to the impact of the proposed amendments, particularly in relation to DEV1, DEV2, DEV4 and DES11. The design of the apartments would be very similar to the design approved under 03/46300/FUL and I am satisfied that by making the blocks more angular that this would not be detrimental to the overall design. The two proposed blocks would also be sufficiently separated to ensure that the future residents enjoy an acceptable level of amenity, and particularly in relation to privacy. The Architectural Liaison Officer is concerned about the proximity of the footpaths to the frontages of the apartments and for this reason I have attached a condition to secure that all footpaths are a minimum of 2m from any elevation. I am satisfied that there is sufficient space to address this. I consider that this proposed layout respects the character of the remainder of the site and therefore would contribute towards local identity in accordance with policy DES1. I have no objections on highway grounds and therefore recommend that this application be approved. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. Standard Condition A01 Five year time limit 2. No footpath around the site shall run directly adjacent to the facing elevation of the apartments but shall be a minimum of 2m away from the elevation full details of which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Director of Development Services prior to the commencement of development. 3. Standard Condition C01X Landscaping 4. Prior to the commencement of any building works on site, the applicant shall submit for written approval an assessment of the noise likely to affect the application site. This assessment should follow PPG24 guidelines towards assessing the noise from the surrounding road and railway network, and any other noise sources which are deemed significant to the site. The measurements and assessment shall be made according to BS4142: 1990. The assessment 40 shall identify all noise attenuation measures which may be determined appropriate to reduce the impact of noise on the site. Once agreed, all identified noise control measures shall be implemented and thereafter retained. (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R000 Section 91 2. Standard Reason R024A Amenity of future residents 3. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 4. Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the future occupants of the development in accordance with policy DEV 1 of the City of Salford Unitary Development Plan. APPLICATION No: 03/47111/FUL APPLICANT: New Prospect Housing LOCATION: 1-23 & 2-30 Myrtle Place 1-31 & 2-30 Cedar Place 1-15 & 2-14 Capella Walk And 151-195 Lower Broughton Road Salford 7 PROPOSAL: Environmental and security improvements to gardens including drives, paving, timber boundary treatments, metal driveway gates, tree planting and new and re-aligned roads WARD: Blackfriars DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to proposed environmental and security improvements to the north of Heath Avenue, a large residential area and part of the Spike Island area. The proposed improvements will involve the addition of new driveways, fencing and tree planting, with new and realigned roads. The proposal includes the closure of highway and footpath, principally to provide secure car parking in line with Police and Government advice regarding security. It also includes the provision of new footpaths and the improvement of existing footpaths. The existing estate suffers from significant levels of crime and generally has a poor physical environment. Existing car parking provision is to the rear of houses, situated within exposed courtyards. Car crime is significant in the area, and the existing arrangements do not provide secure parking for residents. 41 Eleven trees, of various maturity and species will be removed as a result of the scheme, with forty one retained, eight new trees proposed within pavement areas and sixty six within the gardens. Consultations between the applicant’s agent and the police architectural liaison team took place prior to the submission of the scheme. The footpath societies were also consulted by the agent earlier this year. CONSULTATIONS Director of Environmental Services – No objection Peak and Northern Footpath Society – No response to date Open Spaces Society – No response to date Ramblers Association – No objection Greater Manchester Pedestrian Association - No response to date Greater Manchester Police Authority - No objection PUBLICITY Three site notices were displayed on the 28th October 2003 The following neighbours were notified : 2 Altair Place 1 – 10 Baroness Grove 33 – 67, 93 – 115 (odd) Cedar Place 36 – 74, 139 – 145 Heath Avenue 1 – 9 (odd) Lord Street 186 – 196 (even) Lower Broughton Road REPRESENTATIONS I have received two letters of objections in response to the application publicity. The following issues have been raised:Loss of land UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: DEV1 – Development Criteria, H2 – Maintaining and Improving Public Sector Housing, DEV4 Design and Crime 42 FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: DES1 Respecting Context, DES11 Design and Crime, H3 Housing Improvement PLANNING APPRAISAL Unitary Development Plan Policy DEV1 states that in determining planning applications the City Council should pay due regard to a number of issues, including the visual appearance of a development; the amount, design and layout of car parking provision, landscaping and open space provision and the impact on trees within or adjacent to the development site. In addition, Policy H2 states that the City Council will seek to maintain and improve public sector housing stock through improving security, improving the general housing environment and through the provision of adequate car parking facilities. Policy DEV4 states that the City Council will encourage greater consideration of crime prevention and personal and property security. The replacement plan policies update and are generally similar to those of the adopted plan in respect to this development. The proposal remodels the estate in line with Policy DEV4 and both Government and Police advice regarding security issues. The number of ginnels that run alongside the rear garden of houses would be reduced in number. At the same time access to the riverside walkway is improved by the provision of more appropriately sited footpaths. I am satisfied that this development will lead to a significant improvement in the housing environment in the area. The proposed improvements will improve security for residents, and will also improve car parking facilities. The development involves the removal of a number of semi-mature trees, however, their removal is required in order to facilitate the environmental and security improvements. The trees to be removed will be replaced with eight new trees within pavement areas and sixty six within the gardens, the sixty six will be subject to tenant consultation. I am satisfied that these replacements will mitigate any negative impacts. Turning to the objections received, part of the scheme would extend the existing cul-de-sac to the rear of 12 – 16 Cedar Place, resulting in a reduced garden area. The applicant is currently liasing with both objectors to resolve this issue. I will report the outcome to panel. I am satisfied that the proposed works will improve visual and residential amenity in the area, and serve to combat crime and vandalism in the housing environment. I therefore recommend approval. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Subject to the following Conditions 1. Standard Condition A01 Five year time limit 43 2. For each of the eleven trees to be felled, two replacements shall be planted during the next available planting season. The type and position of replacement trees shall be first approved in writing by the Director of Development Services. 3. No development shall commence until road closures have been secured. (Reasons) 1. Standard Reason R000 Section 91 2. Standard Reason R004A Amenity-area 3. The areas are currently public highway. APPLICATION No: 03/47143/FUL APPLICANT: Nuttall Construction Limited LOCATION: Land At Junction Of Broad Oak Park And Brackley Road Eccles PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of two three-storey blocks comprising eight apartments together with associated car parking and creation of new vehicular access WARD: Eccles DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL This application relates to the site of an existing bungalow at the junction of Brackley Road and Broad Oak Park. The proposal is to demolish the bungalow and replace it with a development of two three-storey blocks, comprising eight two-bedroom apartments. Block ‘A’ fronts Brackley Road and the footprint of the building is 10.9 metres by 11.4 metres. Block ‘B’ occupies a larger footprint and is positioned at the junction of Brackley Road and Broad Oak Park, therefore having a frontage to both roads. Both buildings would be set back approximately 7.5 metres from the back of the pavement and would be linked by a roof over the vehicular and pedestrian access to the rear parking area. 12 car parking spaces and two refuse storage areas would be positioned adjacent to the southern and eastern site boundaries. A new access to the site would be formed from Brackley Road. The majority of the amenity space is located to the front of the buildings. There are numerous mature trees at the site and overhanging the site from the adjacent gardens. The majority of the trees at the application site and the tree overhanging from 27 Brackley Road are protected by Tree Preservation Order (TPO) No. 100. The trees overhanging from 2a Broadoak 44 Park Road are protected by TPO 248. The applicant has submitted an arboricultural survey which relates to trees at the site. The application site is located within a predominantly residential area. The properties on adjacent sites are all two-storey dwellings. There is a bowling green to the opposite side of Broad Oak Park. Whilst the site is not within the Monton Green conservation area, the south and west boundaries to the site adjoin the conservation area. SITE HISTORY 97/37172/TPO - Crown thin by 10% and crown lift to clear the highway one lime, one silver birch and one horse chestnut tree. Approved 15.12.1997. 03/45522/TPO - Crown raise to 6m above the highway, 1/3 crown thin and prune back from the building by 1m one Horse Chestnut (T1). Crown thin 1/6, and crown raise to 6m above highway one Birch tree (T2) CONSULTATIONS Director of Environmental Services – No comments received to date. The Coal Authority – Report on coal mining circumstances provided. Environment Agency – No objection in principle. Monton Village Traders Association – No comments received. PUBLICITY A press notice was published on 6th November 2003 A site notice was displayed on 31st October and 5th November 2003 The following neighbour addresses were notified: 10, 12, 23 – 27 (o) Brackley Road 2, 2a Boddon Lodge, Broadoak Park 6 – 14 (e) Monton Green 1 – 6 Churchill Place, Golf View Drive Worsley golf Club, Stableford Avenue REPRESENTATIONS I have received 15 letters of representation / objection in response to the planning application publicity. The following issues have been raised:- 45 concerns over access – Broadoak Park Road is unadopted and in a poor state of repair, any increase in traffic will advance deterioration. This road is also too narrow for more than one vehicle to pass increase in traffic and associated dangers to elderly and children poor visibility/ blind bend at road junction quiet residential area will become dominated by flat conversions erection of flats will be out of scale and out of character with area development is totally out of character with the conservation area concerns regarding replacement of bungalow with three storey building too many flats are proposed loss of trees effect on wildlife loss of property value chaos during construction period overdevelopment loss of privacy and light to dwellings on Monton Green and Broadoak Park development will impose on current views from surrounding dwellings will overshadow garden and overlook 2a Broadoak Park Road will result in a loss of privacy to lounge (side elevation window) of 27 Brackley Road and overlooking of garden area loss of privacy and light to 12 Brackley Road concerns regarding position of refuse storage and car parking adjacent to boundaries with adjacent dwellings strain on existing sewers and services increased activity will lead to increase in crime UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: DEV1 – Development Criteria DEV2 – Good Design EN7 – Conservation of Trees and Woodlands FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: DES1 – Respecting Context DES7 – Amenity of Users and Neighbours EN10 – Protected Trees PLANNING APPRAISAL Unitary Development Plan policy DEV1 states that regard must be had to a number of factors when determining applications for planning permission including the layout and relationship of existing and proposed buildings and the effect on sunlight, daylight and privacy for neighbouring 46 properties; the amount, design and layout of car parking provision and the likely scale ant type of traffic generation. Policy DEV2 states that the City Council will not normally grant planning permission, unless it is satisfied with the quality of design and the appearance of the development. Policy EN7 states that the City Council will encourage the conservation of trees and woodland. In addition the City Council has adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance with regard to trees. Importantly this states that considerations for layout design should ensure that no building should be located within the maximum spread of any tree and that in the case of residential buildings, a development in which a principal window is overshadowed by a tree, or where any part of a tree is sited within 3.6m of a window, will be resisted. The Guidance also states that private gardens should not be planned to include an excessive proportion overshadowed by trees. I consider that the policies of the First Deposit Draft Replacement UDP are generally similar in respect of this development proposal. With regards to the proposed use of the site, I consider that the principle of residential development is acceptable, given the existing use and the residential nature of the area. With reference to vehicular access and traffic, I consider that the position of the access is acceptable in highway safety terms, providing that the proposed gate posts are either reduced or relocated and I do not consider that a development of this size, i.e. eight apartments, would result in any significant increase in traffic generation. The main issues for consideration are therefore the impact on trees, the design, scale and appearance of the development and its impact on the character of the area and the impact of the proposal on existing residents in terms of privacy, overlooking and loss of light. With reference to amenity distances, there would be a minimum of 26.5 metres between the development and 10 and 12 Brackley Road, I do not therefore consider that there would be any loss of light or privacy to these dwellings. There would be a distance of 6.5 metres between the side of Block A and the side windows to the ground floor of 27 Brackley Road, one of these windows is obscure glazed and the other appears to be a secondary window to the lounge (there is a bay window to the front). The floor plans for the proposed development indicate that there would be secondary windows to the dining area on this elevation – I therefore have some concerns regarding privacy. There is, however, no elevation drawing to indicate whether the ground floor window would be high level or obscure glazed. Given the similar siting and height of this dwelling and the proposed Building A, I do not consider that there would result be any overlooking of the garden areas or loss of light. There is a minimum distance of 15 metres between the proposed buildings and the boundary with the rear gardens of 6 and 8 Monton Green and in excess of 30 metres between facing windows, I do not therefore consider that there would be any overlooking of garden areas or loss of privacy or light to these dwellings. There is a distance of 10.5 metres between the side of Block B and 2a Broad Oak Park and approximately 17 metres to the first floor window that appears to be a secondary window to the bedroom. I have a number of concerns with regards to trees at the site. Firstly, the applicant was asked to submit a tree survey for trees at and surrounding the site, the survey submitted does not, however, consider trees in adjacent gardens that overhang the site. Furthermore, the tree survey states that there are no Tree Preservation Orders, when there are in fact two Orders that protect these and surrounding trees. Whilst the position of the existing property should be considered in relation to the surrounding trees, the height difference between the existing bungalow and proposed 47 development, must be considered in relation to the tree canopies. The plans submitted indicate that a number of the tree canopies would overhang the proposed buildings. This is not in accordance with the City Council’s SPG on trees. The SPG recommends that a minimum distance of 3.6 metres should be maintained between the tips of branches and habitable windows. It is therefore inevitable that the damage would be caused to the trees and that the branches could cause damage to the buildings. Furthermore, the overwhelming dominance of the trees and concerns about their safety, loss of light and problems such as leaves blocking drains would create pressure from future residents for the removal of the trees. In order to accommodate this development, significant pruning is required. I consider that this would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area and also views into and out of the conservation area. With regards to the appearance of the development, whilst the site lies outside the conservation area, it is in fact immediately adjacent to it and I consider that the development would affect the character and appearance of the conservation area. Unfortunately, the applicant has not submitted an elevation drawing for the side of Building B, which would face the conservation area. The proposed ridge height of the development is 10.1 metres, which is a similar height to dwellings on Brackley Road (27 Brackley Road has a ridge height of 10.5 metres). The properties on Broad Oak Park are however lower in height – 2a Broad Oak Park has a ridge height of 8.2 metres. Because the proposed development, in particular Block B, is taller than the adjacent properties on Broad Oak Park, I consider that it would dominate this corner plot. Whilst I believe that the applicant has made some consideration of design, this site is in a prominent position adjacent to the conservation area and the height and design must be given more careful consideration. The proposed car parking provision is in accordance with the City Council’s current standards and the existing and proposed trees would provide some screening between adjacent gardens. I am concerned that the areas of hard surfacing may affect trees roots and I do not consider that this issue has been adequately addressed in the tree survey. With regards to amenity space, given the amount of hardstanding for car parking and access and the siting of the buildings, the amenity space is mostly situated to the front of the development. Amenity space in this position is not private nor is it particularly useable, especially as the majority of it would be shaded by the surrounding trees. In respect of concerns raised regarding noise and disturbance from construction, I consider that as this would be for a limited period only, existing residents should not suffer any long-term effects. Other objections relate to loss of property value, which I do not consider to be a material planning consideration and the strain on drains/sewers, which would be a consideration for United Utilities should permission be approved. I do not consider that the increased activity associated with the development would result in an increase in crime. RECOMMENDATION: Refuse For the following Reasons: 1. The proposed development would result in buildings and areas of hardstanding being located too close to trees that are subject to Tree Preservation Orders, contrary to both the City 48 Council's Supplementary Planning Guidance on Trees and EN7 of the City of Salford Unitary Development Plan, and as a consequence would result in their loss to the significant detriment of the character and appearance of the local area and would fail to enhance or preserve the character or appearance of the adjacent Monton Green Conservation Area. 2. The proposed development would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area and would fail to enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the adjacent conservation area by reason of its height, design and siting, contrary to policy DEV2 of the City of Salford Unitary Development Plan. APPLICATION No: 03/47226/HH APPLICANT: G A Herbert LOCATION: 4 Wyville Drive Salford 6 PROPOSAL: Retention of conservatory at rear of dwelling (amendment to previous application 03/45549/HH) WARD: Pendleton DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL The application site is a semi-detached property in a residential area close to Langworthy Road. The proposal is for the retention of a conservatory. The conservatory projects 3m X 4.5m with a height to the eaves of 2.2m and the height to the ridge of 3.1m with a hipped roof, the conservatory has obscure glazing on the elevation facing No.2 Wyville Drive. SITE HISTORY An application for a rear conservatory was approved in March 2003. This proposal project 2.1m X 3m with a total height of 3m. The proposal was approximately 2.5m from the boundary with No.2 Wyville Drive. PUBLICITY The following neighbour addresses were notified: 2 and 6 Wyville Drive 252, 256 and 258 Langworthy Road 49 REPRESENTATIONS I have received one letter of support from the residents of No.2 Wyville Drive in response to the planning application publicity. Councillor Holt has requested the planning application be dealt with by the Planning and Transportation regulatory Panel as the recommendation is for refusal and the conservatory has been built UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: Other policies: DEV8 – House Extensions Supplementary Planning Guidance FIRST DEPOSIT DRAFT REPLACEMENT PLAN POLICY Site specific policies: None Other policies: DES7 Amenity of Users and Neighbours DES8 Alterations and Extensions PLANNING APPRAISAL DEV8 states that planning permission will not be granted for extensions that have an unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents by reason of overlooking, overshadowing, dominance loss of light or privacy nor would it have an unacceptably adverse impact on the character of the street scene, this is re-iterated in policy DES7. HH4 of the House Extension Supplementary Planning Guidance states that permission will not normally be given for single-storey extension that do not maintain a minimum distance of 9m between its blank gable end and facing habitable room windows. The conservatory does not have a blank gable end but has an obscure glazed elevation. The conservatory is approximately 5.8m from the dining room window of No.2 Wyville Drive. There is a 2m fence on the boundary between the two properties, however the proposal can be seen above the fence, the eaves are approximately 2.2m in height with the ridge reaching to 3.1m in height. Due to the proximity of the conservatory to the dining room window I would consider it have an overbearing impact. RECOMMENDATION: Refuse For the following Reasons: 50 1. The conservatory seriously injures the amenity and has an overbearing impact on neighbouring residents living at 2 Wyville Drive by reason of its size and siting and is contrary to Policy DEV8 of the adopted City of Salford Unitary Development Plan, Policy DES7 of the Draft Planning Policy, and HH4 Supplementary Planning Guidance - House Extensions. 51 PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION REGULATORY PANEL PART I SECTION 1: APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION 52 4th December 2003 PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION REGULATORY PANEL PART I SECTION 1: APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION 53 4th December 2003 PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION REGULATORY PANEL PART I SECTION 1: APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION 54 4th December 2003