Agenda item

Erection of Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science building with associated works and access.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for the erection of a Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science building with associated works and access on land to the south of Durham University Mountjoy Research Centre, Stockton Road, Durham (for copy see file of Minutes).

S Pilkington, Senior Planning Officer provided a detailed presentation of the application which included an aerial photograph of the site, site location plan, 3D image of the proposed building, proposed elevation, site layout plan, proposed elevations and views of the site from the Mount Joy Complex and Hollingside Lane.

Professor P Hussey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Science at Durham University, addressed the Committee to present the proposal for a new Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science building planned for development, south of the City centre, within the University Mountjoy site.

The existing teaching facilities within the Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science departments were currently at capacity.  The development would allow for both departments to grow, whilst improving teaching and learning facilities, and ensure they were able to compete on an international playing field.

The development would enable the University to continue to build on its success as a world leading institution and to maximise benefits to the local area.  The University boosted the UK economy by £1.1 billion a yearand supported nearly 14,000 jobs, including almost £650 millionand more than 10,000 jobsin the north east.

The primary objectives of the scheme were to provide state-of-the-art teaching, learning and research accommodation for staff and PhD students, communal mathematical sciences and computer science space, undergraduate study space, research laboratories, seminar rooms and lecture theatres, together with catering facilities.  The development would also incorporate high quality external spaces for students and staff.

An innovation and enterprise hub was also a key part of the development and this would provide study space, quiet study rooms, breakout space and a flexible event space.  The University currently had around 3,000 studentscarrying out enterprise activity within the University, but this was spread around various departments and societies.  The innovation and enterprise hub would provide a base for this activity and would also create and foster links between the University, students and businesses locally, nationally and internationally.

A significant amount of planning and preparation had informed this proposal, including extensive pre-application meetings with the Local Planning Authority and other statutory consultees.  From the early stages of the planning for the building, careful consideration had been given to its design, its appearance within the landscape and its impact on the Durham City Conservation Area and Durham Castle and Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The design proposed was set within the landscape with its overall height kept low, in order to protect views towards the Cathedral and World Heritage Site, and to ensure that it did not have a significant effect on these heritage assets. 

The University also held a public consultation for key stakeholders and local residents and gathered feedback from this event which had informed the proposal.  Extensive archaeological evaluation and recording had been undertaken and this would be placed as public record.

The scheme presented many benefits for both the University and the wider city.  It would deliver world-class facilities, supporting the University’s agenda for education, research, engagement and student experience, whilst helping to address identified shortfalls and requirements for research, teaching, laboratories and study space.  The new building, when operational, would facilitate the growth of both the Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science departments.  This in turn would deliver additional employment opportunities with 70 more staffrequired across both departments in academic and support roles.  During the construction period, the employment opportunities would be significant with the creation of 233 direct, and 210 indirect jobs.

In summary, the proposed development was on a well-contained site, would provide much needed additional teaching and study facilities in a sustainable location, would better consolidate academic disciplines and reduce the need for staff and student movements, would contribute to all three objectives of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental, providing substantial benefits in each area including creating new jobs at the University and employment through construction and fully complied with the National Planning Policy Framework and local policy.

Professor Hussey asked that the Committee approve the application.

Councillor Shield informed the Committee that the application would enhance the standing of the University and fully complied with the NPPF and saved plans and moved approval.

Councillor Tinsley referred to the request from the City of Durham Parish Council that the determination of the application be paused until the University Masterplan had been submitted as it was part of a larger scheme which would need an Environmental Impact Assessment and asked whether an EIA was required for this scheme or the overall Masterplan.  Councillor Tinsley considered the proposed building to be of an excellent modern design.

Councillor Clare considered that it was essential to allow the University to grow and prosper in order to compete.  He referred to the concerns of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site Co-ordinator as described at paragraph 77 of the report regarding the woods not being referenced in terms of strategic management in the application.

The Senior Planning Officer replied that the development was well contained within woodland to the south of the site.  This woodland is designated as an ecological site and thereby the prospect of any development which would require the removal of these trees thereby very unlikely.  In respects to the concerns expressed by the Parish Council regarding EIA, the development had been subject to an EIA screening exercise and this including consideration to cumulative impacts with other development and it was concluded that the development is not EIA development. 

Councillor Wilkes referred to paragraph 58 of the report that the Highways Authority had raised no objection to the proposal which would generate more pedestrian and cycle trips and asked whether crossing facilities on South Road were sufficient to ensure the safety of the increase in pedestrian and cyclist numbers.  Additionally Councillor Wilkes sought clarity on the proposed plans of the University for a cycling superhighway.  While he was supportive of University development, providing student safety was paramount.

D Wafer, Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee that the University had a number of developments over a wide area and had aspirations for a super route which included connections across South Road.  The University was reviewing the proposed super route by widening paths and installing new crossing points.  H Jones, Principal Planning Officer added that a stretch of footpath on South Road is proposed to be widened and a signalised crossing point rationalised as part of the planning permission for the Lower Mountjoy University Teaching and Learning Centre.

Moved by Councillor Shield, Seconded by Councillor Wilson and

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the Conditions contained in the report.

Councillors Shield and Kay left the meeting but Councillor Kay returned before the consideration of Item (c).