Agenda item

DM/18/01995/FPA - Durham Sixth Form Centre, The Sands, Durham

Multi media teaching block (amendments to previously approved scheme).

Minutes:

The Senior Planning Officer, Barry Gavillet, 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 multi-media teaching block (amendments to previously approved scheme) and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions set out within the report.

 

 

The Senior Planning Officer, BG noted the original application had been approved by Committee at its meeting in January 2018, with the application being considered retaining the same footprint as that approved.  He added that the proposal was now for 3 storeys, increased from 2, with an updated design with amended elevations to reflect this.  It was noted that while the application site was within the CA, Officers from Design and Conservation had offered no objections.  Members noted that the proposal would impact upon car parking at the site, displacing some of the provision, however, there would be an increase in provision of 2 spaces overall, now 34.  It was added there were no objections from statutory or internal consultees and there had been no objections raised by local residents.  The Senior Planning Officer, BG noted the recommendation was for approval, and that the scheme as approved at the January meeting could be taken forward should Members not be minded to approve this application.

 

The Chairman thanked the Senior Planning Officer, BG and noted the Chairman of the Durham Sixth Form Centre Governing Body, Mr D Southwell was in attendance to speak in support of the application.

 

Mr D Southwell thanked the Chairman and asked Members to recall his attendance and comments made at the January meeting.  He reiterated that the school was outstanding, attracting students not only from Durham but also from further afield.  It was explained that if this application was approved there was the opportunity to remove some temporary buildings and replace them with this proposed scheme.  Mr D Southwell noted that the school was “bursting at the seams” with students and the proposal would be of great benefit and therefore asked that the Committee consider the application positively and approve as recommended by Officers.

 

Councillor D Freeman noted that the application represented a great scheme, not out of scale or keeping with the area, with no impact upon residents and therefore he moved that the application be approved.  He was seconded by Councillor G Bleasdale.

 

RESOLVED

 

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

 

Supporting documents: