Agenda item

Three storey extension to existing building and associated landscape works.

The Senior Planning Officer, Paul Hopper, 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 three storey extension to existing building and associated landscaping works and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions as set out within the report.

The Senior Planning Officer, PH reminded Members that the application had been deferred at the October meeting of the Committee, to allow for further information in terms of parking and a transport statement to be presented.  He explained that upon receipt of the information Local Members, who had requested the information, noted their concerns had been addressed and objections withdrawn.

Councillors noted the setting of the existing college and the proposed extension.  He explained that it was proposed in order to provide specialist IT classrooms, workshops, conference rooms and also include an external storage hardstanding area. 

It was added there had been no objections from statutory consultees and no objections from internal consultees, subject to conditions, including those relating to landscaping.

Members noted the key consideration and the Senior Planning Officer, PH noted National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 11 and Part 8 in terms of the application and noted the previous redevelopment of the college in 2005.  He noted that the design and scale were well considered and deemed acceptable subject to conditions.  The Senior Planning Officer, PH noted that access would be unaltered, however, there would be a loss of 21 parking spaces, though no objections had been raised in relation to this by Officers.  He concluded that the recommendation was for approval.

The Chairman noted that Councillor A Hopgood, Local Member for the area was in attendance to speak in relation to the application.

Councillor A Hopgood thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak in relation to the application.  She thanked New College Durham and Council Officers for their work in providing the additional information and revised travel plan.  Councillor A Hopgood noted that the application should be considered in conjunction with other activity and proposed developments within the area, including: the strategic site at Aykley Heads, including the current County Hall site; extensions to Accident and Emergency at the University Hospital of North Durham; the Arnison Centre; and Northumbrian Water. 

She added that it was acknowledge that such documents were “working documents” and that would be reviewed on a regular basis.  Councillor A Hopgood concluded by noting that she and her fellow Divisional Members welcomed the facilities as described, considered New College Durham to be an excellent asset and supported the application.

The Chairman thanked Councillor A Hopgood and asked Mr J Widdowson, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham to speak in support of the application.

Mr J Widdowson thanked the Chairman and Councillor A Hopgood and noted he would echo and reiterate the comments made by colleagues at the last Committee in terms of the importance in terms of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the proposed development to enable an enhanced offer in relation to these areas.  He stressed that a timely start to the development would be important in order to minimise disruption to existing students and also to be able to apply for Government funding.  It was explained that New College Durham had been shortlisted to become an Institute of Technology and that this, and the development proposed, would help employers in our County get a head start in terms of developing the skills they needed.

The Chairman thanked Mr J Widdowson and asked the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor M Davinson noted he had proposed deferral at the last meeting, and now with the additional information, updated travel plan and Local Members supporting the application, he moved that the application be approved as per the Officer’s report.  Councillor I Jewell noted the application was a positive addition to a high class education facility and the attached conditions mitigate the issues that had been raised.  He seconded the approval of the application.

RESOLVED

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