Decision details

Construct purpose built student accommodation (sui generis) and ground floor commercial unit (Class E(g)(i)) with associated access, car parking, landscaping and infrastructure

Station Road (Central) Car Park Station Road Beeston Nottinghamshire 

This item was called before Committee by Councillor S J Carr.

There were a number of late items for the Committee to consider including 17 letters in support of the application, two letters of objection, the commitment of the applicant to ensure the building was rated in the highest category for energy efficiency and a submission from the applicant regarding restricting residents from parking on the streets surrounding the proposed development.  The applicant also asked the Committee to note the outcome of a recent appeal.

Patrick Cassidy, the applicant and Karen Stainer, objecting, made representation to Committee prior to the general debate.

The Committee applauded the applicant’s commitment to energy efficiency, however the debate focussed on concern about the amenity of students living in the accommodation because the rooms were very small and the intensity of occupation was too high for the size of the site.  It was noted that there would be an impact on neighbour amenity because of the lack of car parking provided on the site and because the students would only be in occupation for part of the year.  The design of the building was considered to be unimaginative and inappropriate as a gateway building to Beeston. 

The Committee received legal advice.

It was proposed by Councillor S J Carr and seconded by Councillor T Hallam that there be a recorded vote.  The voting was as follows:

            RESOLVED that planning permission be refused with the precise wording of the refusal delegated to the Chair of Planning Committee in agreement with the Planning Manager.

Reason

1.             The submitted scheme, by virtue of its size and design represents an unsatisfactory development which fails to provide appropriate internal floor space and consequently the proposal would afford a substandard level of amenity for future occupiers. The proposal also fails to provide sufficient car parking for a development of this magnitude and would increase on street parking in surrounding areas. The proposed restriction of occupation to students would also fail to maximise the potential contribution to town centre footfall during non-term periods. The proposed development is therefore contrary to Policies 6 and 10 of the Broxtowe Aligned Core Strategy (2014) and Policy 17 of the Broxtowe Part 2 Local Plan (2019).