Agenda item

To receive questions from Members of the Council to the relevant Portfolio Holders for this Scrutiny Committee. The Portfolio Holders reporting to this Scrutiny Committee are:-

Councillor Bialyk -       Leader

Councillor Allcock -     Portfolio Holder City Development

Councillor Parkhouse-Portfolio Holder Climate and Ecological Crisis

Councillor Wood -       Portfolio Holder Leisure Services and Physical Activity

Councillor Wright -      Portfolio Holder, Culture and City Centre Strategy

Advance questions from Members relating to the Portfolio Holders above should be notified to the Democratic Services Manager.

In accordance with Standing Order No. 20, the following questions were submitted by Councillor Moore and responses were given by Councillor Vizard, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Ecological Change and Communities.

Question

1. The Royal Clarence Hotel Planning Application 22/0236/FUL 

1. What progress has the developer made in applying for and discharging the conditions for this granted permission?
2. When does the Council expect work to start onsite and to be completed?
3. What assessment has the council made of the effectiveness of the measures to protect the remaining historic fabric before the work commences?

Response

1. Progress on Applying for and Discharging Conditions: The developer has made some progress following the conditional approval granted on 10 October 2022. Exeter City Council drafted the Section 106 agreement on 17 April 2023 and it was signed on 25 August 2023. However, no formal applications have been submitted to discharge the specific planning conditions associated with the development. Several urgent works have been undertaken to stabilise the structure, including reducing the height of two chimneys under an Urgent Works Notice to prevent the risk of collapse and damage to neighbouring properties. Additional measures include introducing new internal structural scaffolding to provide stability and regular maintenance, such as pumping out standing water from the basement and removing vegetation. The site is inspected weekly by the owners' representatives to ensure the integrity of the scaffolding and check for structural defects?.
2. Expected Start and Completion Dates for Onsite Work: The Council cannot currently provide a specific start date for the construction works. While the developer has indicated a potential start date in Spring 2025, this is contingent on completing the detailed design phase (RIBA Stage 4) and subsequent procurement of construction packages. Given that these elements are outside the control of the Council, we are cautious about setting public expectations. We continue to engage with the developer to encourage timely progression, but it is essential to note that these timelines may be subject to change?.
3. Effectiveness of Measures to Protect Remaining Historic Fabric: In collaboration with Historic England, the Council has emphasised the importance of protecting the remaining historic fabric of the Royal Clarence Hotel site. Protective measures have been implemented, including installing new internal structural scaffolding for additional stabilisation and repairs to the lead valley between the Wellhouse and 15 Cathedral Yard. The site is subject to regular inspections and maintenance, such as replacing scaffold sheeting and hoarding as needed. These steps have been deemed adequate to prevent further deterioration of the structure while awaiting the commencement of construction. However, these inspections and maintenance works are carried out by the owner's representatives rather than the Council?.

Supplementary Question and Response

Councillor Moore asked when enforcement would be put in place and Councillor Vizard answered that deadlines would be in place as with any planning application.

Question

2. NPPF consultation

In the Council’s response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation will the Portfolio Holder ask the Government to remove the provision for viability assessments (i.e. guaranteeing developer’s profit) and request that Government work with developers to finance risk in other ways, so the expectations of local planning authorities for developers to meet obligations such as affordable housing can be assured?

Response

The Council will provide a response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation. In doing so it will set out the importance of delivering development that complies with local plan policy and delivers appropriate contributions towards infrastructure and affordable housing. The emerging Exeter Plan will also provide for robust approaches to viability assessment in order to achieve such development.

Supplementary Question and Response

Councillor Moore asked that the option for funding viability in other ways be included in the response to Government and Councillor Vizard responded that Councillor Allcock had initiated discussion and he will refer to her for a written response.