Agenda item

Demolition of derelict hotel and erection of four storey mixed use development.

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East), Sarah Eldridge gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, a copy 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 demolition of derelict hotel and erection of a fours storey mixed use development (part retrospective) and was recommended for approval subject to conditions. 

Members noted that the reason for the part retrospective application was that fire damage to the hotel had been such that the building had collapsed and the site had therefore been cleared.

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) explained that the proposals were for 4 storey mixed use, with visually the development looking as 3½ storeys.  It was added that ground floor use would be for restaurant/café, with the second and third floor being for residential use. 

Members were referred to a slide highlighting the application site and noted other similar commercial use in the area.  It was explained that the application site was within the Seaham Conservation area and was near to the War Memorial, former Police Station and listed buildings.

Members noted photos of the site and the adjoining building, also owned by the applicant, and the proposed elevations were shown and the proposed materials were noted as red brick, slate roof and grey aluminium window, with negotiations with the Conservation Officers having taken place, with the application being supported by those Officers.

It was explained that in terms of representations, there had be comments from Seaham Town Council stating they were not keen on the aluminium windows.  The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) noted no other objections from consultees.

It terms of the principle of development, it was noted that there was similar use for other properties in the area and evidence had been supplied to Planning that the retention of the building after the fire damage was not viable, borne out by the subsequent collapse.  In terms of the design it was the Officer’s view that the application would enhance the Conservation Area and passed the test as set out at Section 72 of the Act in as well as providing opportunities in terms of regeneration, business and employment.

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) concluded by noting the application was recommended for approval, subject to the conditions as set out within the report.

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

Councillor G Bleasdale noted that local people were looking forward to the site being developed in keeping with all the works carried out in the area to date, getting better and better.  Councillor G Bleasdale noted she proposed the application be approved.

Councillor J Clark noted the area was one she visited frequently and that there were a lot of attractions in the area, including Tommy a sculpture of a First World War Solider, which brought in a lot of visitors to Seaham.  Councillor J Clark noted paragraph 43 of the report noted 75 jobs to be created and speculated that this must be including the construction work and not just be the ongoing employment once works had been completed.  Councillor J Clark noted the site was on a busy main road and asked whether there would be an appropriate construction management plan in place to address any potential issues.

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) noted a condition set out on page 101 of the report looking to deal with construction management and while there were not hours of operation set out within the condition, this could be possible should Members wish this.  Councillor J Clark noted that it was to be mindful of where the application site was, and where the construction traffic would be based. 

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) noted there was a requirement for a construction management plan to be submitted to and agreed by the Authority prior to the commencement of works.

Councillor D Freeman, added that he had recently visit Seaham and had enjoyed the marina, the Tommy sculpture and that the gap where the property had burned down should be filled with an appropriate building and he therefore welcomed the application.

Councillor G Bleasdale moved that the application be approved; she was seconded by Councillor J Clark.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee.