Agenda item

Construction of two new residential care buildings

The Senior Planning Officer, Chris Baxter gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, copies of which had been circulated (for copy see file of minutes).  Members noted that the written report was supplemented by a visual presentation which included photographs of the site.  The application was for the construction of two new residential care buildings and was recommended for approval subject to conditions. 

The Committee noted that there had been no objections from statutory or internal consultees on the application, and no objections from members of the public to this proposed development on a brownfield site.

The Chairman noted there were no registered Speakers and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments on the application.

Councillor M Davinson asked why Condition 6 set out the need for a noise impact assessment and added that again, similar to comments on the previous applications, that a construction management plan and hours of operation may help in terms of minimising disruption to existing local residents.  The Senior Planning Officer explained that the condition as regards noise impact was due to the nature of the development, residential care, and therefore to assess the potential impact upon those future residents of the facilities and that if Members felt a construction management plan and hours of operation were required this could be included within the conditions.

Councillor D Freeman noted there was a demand for such residential care in the Durham area and the proposals represented a positive development.  Councillor J Lethbridge noted that looking at the plans and elevations the “block” as presented was “singularly unimaginative”.

Councillor M Davinson proposed that the application be approved, subject to a condition in terms of the construction management plan and hours of operation, and was seconded by Councillor G Bleasdale.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee together with an additional condition in terms of a construction management plan and hours of operation.  

The Chairman noted that the remaining four applications were all for similar variations of condition and were all within the same area and asked if the Committee would be willing to receive a joint presentation as regards the application, then to make individual decisions upon each application, Members agreed.