Agenda item

To consider the planning applications contained in the list.

The Committee considered the applications in the *Plans List.

a)    24/01034/FULL - Change of use of building to a mixed use of residential for a one-bedroom flat (Use Class C3) and a ground floor independent community room (Use Class F2) at Wellclose, Ham Place, Tiverton.

In response to the public question raised the Area Team Leader replied as follows:-

A1.      This was not a planning matter and therefore I am unable to answer the question.

A2.      The use was essentially for domestic use for Mid Devon tenants in the surrounding properties.  The cost was not a planning matter and therefore I am unable to answer the question.

A3.      This was not a planning matter and therefore I am unable to answer this question.

The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

·         The proposed development related to a 2 storey former dwelling that had been used recently as an office and staff meeting/welfare facility for workers employed in the construction of the adjoining St. George’s Court which was previously developed by 3 Rivers Ltd and had since come under Mid Devon District Council’s Housing Team.

·         The proposal was to now change the use of the building to a residential one-bedroom flat and a ground floor independent community room for residents over 55 and those who were less mobile.

·         The main issues raised were the principle of development; design and impact on surroundings; residential amenity, highways and parking.

·         The majority of works were internal other than the replacement of a ground floor window being replaced with a door.

·         The proposed conditions restricted the use of the property and would not allow for it to be rented out. The Public Health Officer also proposed a time restriction of the community room being open from 7am-7pm so as not to have an adverse impact on residents.

·         The application did not include the proposal for a car parking space.  The previous use of the building did not have a car parking space and being close to the town centre it was considered justified as there were other car parking areas close by and there was access to shops and public transport.  Highways had not raised any objections to this.

Discussion took place regarding:-

·         Whether there had been an assessment to clarify if there was a need for a community room.

·         Accessibility to the community room and whether toilet facilities were large enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

·         The opening hours of the community room.

·         Clarification as to whether there were parking arrangements when the building was a house, even if only informally.

RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions, but with an alternative to condition 4 - requiring the submission and approval of a Management Plan to address the operation of the community room, which would include control of the opening hours, and agreement for the hours to be altered, if required to accommodate planned events. The final wording of the new condition 4 would be delegated to the Director of Place and Economy. To also suggest to the applicant that the toilet facilities were made large enough to accommodate a wheelchair to allow for disabled access.

(Proposed by Cllr J Downes and seconded by Cllr F J Colthorpe)

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.

Note: *List and report previously circulated and attached to the minutes.