Wed Mar 21, 2018 1:27 pm
From watching this week’s planning committee:
Bradley Court - the officer presented it as a decision to approve based on a balanced response. The tall building would have an adverse impact on local heritage sites but the positives of the development, quality design & materials, bringing back the listed building next door, the economic benefits of students & improvements to public realms, outweigh that adverse impact. Cadw didn’t have an issue with it but other societies did. For me, regardless of the quality, I will always hate this building for being in the wrong place, but it’s happening now and from their brochures it will happen quick. I hope the building is as impressive as described to lessen my hatred.
Howard Gardens - lots of objections and some disagreement from committee, particularly around the loss of open/community space. But a bit of shrugging shoulders and ‘what can you do?’ A shame really.
Student accommodation - first rule of planning committee - Do not discuss demand for student accommodation! Primarily because it’s not a planning concern, but it didn’t stop some. Forecasts show there is still the demand but I guess only reality will tell.
Dumballs road - both residential developments went through very quickly with much praise. The only gripe was the lack of affordable housing and/or 106 contributions. Not viable, apparently