Agenda item

16no. bungalows, partial demolition of former King James School and construction of 12no. apartments retaining front façade, including alterations to Listed boundary wall

The Committee considered a report of the Principal Planning Officer regarding an application for 16 no. bungalows, partial demolition of former King James School and construction of 12 no. apartments at The Laurel Building, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland (for copy see file of minutes).

The Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation which included a site location plan, aerial photographs and photographs of the site.

Councillor Zair confirmed that the application site was in his ward and this building had been beautiful in its day, but had been left to deteriorate over the years and subjected to arson and antisocial behaviour.  He felt sorry for the residents who were exposed to this eyesore and was delighted that someone had came forward with the intention of investing in the building.  He was satisfied that the original façade would be retained and the building would be brought back into use. 

Councillor Zair asked for a description of the site boundary in relation to the cricket ground and Planning Officer confirmed that ballstop fencing would be erected along the north boundary of the site, but finer details were yet to be agreed. 

Councillor Zair asked whether the Applicant would consider the erection of a plaque or memorial to highlight the connection to Stan Laurel, who was educated at the school as a child.  The Chair confirmed that this request could be made to the Applicant, but the Committee could not impose a condition.  Finally Councillor Zair asked if there had been any consultation between the Applicant and local residents.  The Applicant responded that he had no objection to discuss maintaining the heritage of the building and that he was also open to discussions with local residents.  Councillor Zair moved the recommendation to approve.

Councillor Martin supported the application, it would bring a beautiful building back into use, and provide bungalows in the town centre.  He seconded the motion to approve the application.

Councillor Tinsley asked for the condition with regards to ball stop fencing to be changed from ‘prior to first occupation of the dwellings’ to ‘prior to the commencement of work on the site’ as he was concerned there was a safeguarding risk of children entering the site to collect balls.  Members agreed that the Planning Officer negotiated the rewording of the condition to ensure the ball stop fencing was erected at an appropriate time, giving thought to the necessary investigations that needed to be undertaken prior to beginning ground work on the site.

Councillor Jewell was pleased that the application included bungalows and considered any negative impact of the application to be very small.

Councillor Richardson alluded to the traffic on the access road due to the nearby school, which at peak times caused difficulty, but he noted the Highways Authority had offered no objection to the proposal.

Councillor G Huntington was happy to support the application, but he also felt it was important for the Applicant to make a commitment to honouring the buildings heritage.

Resolved

That the application be APPROVED subject to the completion of a Section 106 Obligation to secure the retention of 4 no. affordable units in perpetuity; the conditions outlined in the report; and the amendment of condition no. 5 with delegated authority to be granted to the Planning Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair