Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Planning Services.

(Report circulated)

The Head of Planning Services presented the application for planning permission for a detached building to provide a hotel comprising of 170 rooms, conference facilities, restaurant/bar, ancillary offices, alterations to vehicular access to provide lay-by on Western Way and delivery area off Russell Street, parking and associated works.

The proposal would be over 7 storeys with a basement level accommodating conference rooms. A recent Hotel study had identified a need for additional accommodation within the city. There was no parking proposed as it was in a city centre location close to parking and public transport links. A lay-by was proposed in the front of the building as a drop-off point and there would be 34 cycle spaces.

The materials to be used were render and brick and it was proposed that the windows would be of a high impact paired design and they would be alternately projecting.

The Area Working Party had raised the question of sustainable energy generation. The applicant had responded that items such as solar panels/wind turbines and wood chip boilers would be considered at the detailed design stage of the building. The applicant had also made a statement in regard to their operational environmental policy in which they recognised the environmental responsibilities that they carried on behalf of their guests, employees and the community.

The Head of Planning Services stated that the recommendation was for approval subject to a Section 106 agreement, the conditions in the circulated report and additional conditions regarding an Energy Assessment and contaminated land.

Members welcomed this proposal and felt that it was in an ideal city centre location and would improve the immediate vicinity of the surrounding area.

RESOLVED that planning permission for a detached building to provide hotel (Class C1) comprising 170 rooms, conference facilities, restaurant/bar, ancillary offices, alterations to vehicular access to provide lay-by on Western Way and delivery area off Russell Street, parking and associated works be approved subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement in respect of access arrangements, accommodation works (including relocation of the signal controlled crossing) and landscaping works on the Western Way frontage, together with arrangements for future maintenance of the works, payment by the developer of the cost of any new or revised traffic orders and a contribution towards public art and the following conditions:

1)         C05  -  Time Limit - Commencement

2)         C15  -  Compliance with Drawings

3)         C17  -  Submission of Materials

4)         C12  -  Drainage Details

5)         Prior to the development being occupied, or at such other time as may be agreed by the Local Planning Authority in writing, a sustainable drainage solution such as a soakaway, designed and constructed in accordance with Building Research Establishment Digest 365; or a Sustainable Urban Drainage System, in accordance with Construction Industry Research and Information Association Document 522 for surface water disposal shall be installed and the system shall be maintained effective at all times thereafter. Clean surface and roof water shall be kept separate from the foul  ...  view the full minutes text for item 185