Agenda item

Report of the Service Lead, Infrastructure, Planning and Development recommending that the Panel delegate approval in respect of an application for a proposed development at the above address.

The Panel considered the report of the Service Lead, Planning, Infrastructure and Development recommending delegated authority be granted in respect of an application for a proposed development at the above address.

Hybrid planning application for mixed-use development comprising: (1) Outline planning permission (with all matters reserved) sought for a multi-storey building comprising residential (C3), hotel (C1) and retail (A1 to A5) uses alongside associated parking, landscaping and vehicular access. (2) Detailed planning permission sought for the demolition of Grenville House, erection of a three-storey podium extension to Norwich House (accommodating office (B1) and retail (A1 to A5) uses), external alterations to both Norwich and Frobisher Houses, provision of a site-wide hard and soft landscaping scheme, and associated site works including parking provision and modified access arrangements.

Simon Reynier (City of Southampton Society), Marianne McCullum (agent), were present and with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The presenting officer explained there had been an update to paragraph 6.20 of the report updating the proposed profit levels.  I addition it was noted that an additional condition in regard to Telecommunications Equipment was required.  The Panel were concerned over the delivery times to the potential commercial premises and voted to amend the proposed condition on delivery times.  Changes to the conditions are as set out below.  Officers agreed to re-consult with the Council’s Sustainability Officer regarding the wording of condition 33 to find out if BREEAM ‘excellent’ can be achieved on the new build elements of the scheme.  Delegation was given to amend the planning conditions should the need arise.

The Panel agreed that the Service Lead – Planning, Infrastructure and Development be delegated authority to confirm the Habitats Regulation Assessment following the receipt of comments from Natural England.

The Panel then considered the recommendation to delegate authority to the Service Lead: Infrastructure, Planning and Development to grant planning permission. Upon being put to the vote the recommendation was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED that the Panel:

  (i)  Delegated approval to the Service Lead –Infrastructure, Planning and Development Manager to confirm the Habitats Regulation Assessment  and to grant planning permission subject to any amendments set out below and the completion of a S.106 Legal Agreement to secure:

a.  Financial contributions towards site specific transport contributions for highway improvements in the vicinity of the site, to include necessary Traffic Regulation Orders and relocation of existing taxi bays, in line with Policy SDP4 of the City of Southampton Local Plan Review (as amended 2015), policies CS18 and CS25 of the adopted LDF Core Strategy (as amended 2015) and the adopted SPD relating to Planning Obligations (September 2013);

b.  Submission of a highway condition survey to ensure any damage to the adjacent highway network attributable to the build process is repaired by the developer.

c.  Either a scheme of measures or a financial contribution towards Solent Disturbance Mitigation Project to mitigate against the pressure on European designated nature conservation sites in accordance with Policy CS22 of the Core Strategy and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.

d.   Submission of a Training & Employment Management Plan committing to adopting local labour and employment initiatives, in accordance with Policies CS24 & CS25 of the Local Development Framework Core Strategy Development Plan Document Adopted Version (as amended 2015) and the adopted SPD relating to Planning Obligations (September 2013);

e.  The submission, approval and implementation of a Carbon Management Plan setting out how the carbon neutrality will be achieved and/or how remaining carbon emissions from the development will be mitigated in accordance with policy CS20 of the Core Strategy and the Planning Obligations SPD (September 2013);

f.  Affordable housing viability clause;

g.  Submission, approval and implementation of Public Art in accordance with the Council's Public Art Strategy, and the adopted SPD relating to ‘Developer Contributions’ (September 2013),

h.  Submission, approval and implementation of a Travel Plan for both the commercial and student residential uses;

i.  Submission, approval and implementation of a CCTV network that can be linked into and/or accessed by the Council and its partners, with contributions towards community safety associated with the needs of the late night commercial uses; and

j.  Submission of a scheme of works and management plan for the permitted route, public square and other publically accessible areas around the site. 

  (ii)  In the event that the legal agreement is not completed within a reasonable period following the Panel meeting, the Service Lead- Infrastructure, Planning and Development be authorised to refuse permission on the ground of failure to secure the provisions of the Section 106 Legal Agreement.

  (iii)  That the Service Lead Infrastructure Planning and Development Manager be given delegated powers to add, vary and /or delete relevant parts of the Section 106 agreement and/or conditions as necessary.

Additional Conditions

48. Telecommunications Equipment (Performance Condition)

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 2015 (or any other Order revoking or re-enacting this Order) no external telecommunications equipment shall be installed on the roof of the building unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

REASON: In the interests of safeguarding the appearance of the building and in the interests of the setting of the Civic Centre (grade II* listed) when viewed from Northam Road

Amended Conditions

08. A1/A2/A3/A4/A5 Hours of Use and Delivery Restriction (Performance Condition)

The non-residential ground floor uses hereby permitted shall not operate outside the following hours:

06:00 to 00:00

No deliveries shall be taken or despatched from the non-residential ground floor uses outside of the hours of 07:00 to 21:00 daily.

The hotel bar and restaurant shall be limited to hotel guests only after midnight.

REASON: In order to control the use in the interests of the amenity of nearby residential occupiers.

47. Parking (Pre-Occupation)

The parking and access shall be provided in accordance with the plans hereby approved before the development first comes into occupation and thereafter retained as approved. 

A maximum of 111 car parking spaces shall be provided with a ratio of not more than 1 parking space per residential flat.

REASON: To prevent obstruction to traffic in neighbouring roads and in the interests of highway safety.