Agenda item

New multimedia facility and reconfiguration of car park provision.

The Team Leader - Central and East, Alan Dobie 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 a new multimedia facility and reconfiguration of car park provision and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

The Team Leader - Central and East noted the application was for a new extension building, with a lot of development ongoing in the nearby area of The Sands.  Members noted the nearby car park and swimming pool, with a number of green public spaces in the vicinity.  He added that some works to the car park had been agreed under delegated authority.

The Committee were informed that the design was very modern and in keeping with the recent developments in the area, and was well screened in relation to the historic part of the site.

The Team Leader - Central and East noted there were no objections from the Environment Agency, subsequent to a Flood Risk Assessment and no objections from internal consultees.  It was added that there had been no objections from residents and the site was within a highly sustainable location within the City.

The Committee noted that Officers had no objections to the application in principle, with the scheme being in order to facilitate future use of the Sixth Form, and access would be via the existing provision.  It was added that while the development would be on what was current car parking, this provision would be made available elsewhere and the Highways Section were satisfied with this.  Members were reminded that the application was recommended for approval.

The Chairman thanked the Team Leader - Central and East and noted there was one registered speaker, the Chair of Governors at the Durham Sixth Form Centre, Mr D Southwell.

Mr D Southwell thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak and noted he had been a Governor at the school for over 30 years and had also been the Chair of Finance and Buildings Committee for the school.  He added that the site had been developed roughly 50/50, the school and former City of Durham in terms of the new buildings and swimming pool.  Mr D Southwell noted the school was proactive in post-16 education and was the largest 6^th Form in the North East, with over 1,300 students.  He added that the 6^th Form worked in partnership with a number of smaller schools as a post-16 “teaching school”.  He noted the proposed design had cherry-picked the best and most modern aspects and now that the requisite finance was available the school wished to progress the matter.  Members noted that there was also some provision for those aged 11-16, gifted and talented students that were given an opportunity for more advanced studies, as well as provision for students with special educational needs. 

Mr D Southwell noted that around 75% of the students were academic and would progress to university, and around 25% pursuing vocational courses.  He added that the design was fit for purpose and appropriate for the Conservation Area and that the proposals would add value.  Mr D Southwell noted that the school had worked hard with Officers of the Council from Planning; Education, noting the school was not an academy; Highways; and Architects.  He noted issues in terms of a previous application in relation to a hockey pitch, and added this application was to ensure solid education for pupils from County Durham and provide a great campus for post-16 education, a good stepping stone for these young people. 

The Chairman thanked Mr D Southwell, noting he spoke well on behalf of his school, and asked Members of the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor D Freeman noted that the 6^th Form Centre was an excellent college and was very popular and well used school benefiting the City and the County.  He therefore moved that the application be approved.  Councillor J Clark agreed noting it was an excellent application.

Councillor D Freeman moved that the application be approved; he 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.