Agenda item

The Committee is requested to consider an application for planning permission, details of which are set out in the accompanying report.

The Committee considered application 15/0523 requesting outline planning permission for the erection of a single storey side extension and a three-storey extension to the roof to create third, fourth and fifth floors and use of premises as altered to provide an A1 retail unit and hotel reception at ground floor level, with hotel accommodation above comprising 96 en-suite bedrooms and associated facilities, with associated rooftop plant area and basement car park for 55 cars and demolition of a footbridge over Bank Hey Street.

Mr Shaw, Principal Planning Officer, presented the Committee with an overview of the application and site layout plans.  He explained that the Sands Venue was adjacent to the Town Centre Conservation Area boundary.  The application was for outline planning permission for a single storey side extension for a hotel reception and extended retail offer.  The application had been amended from a full application to an outline application following concerns raised by the planning officers and Historic England regarding the design.  Mr Shaw confirmed that the height of the proposed three-storey extension was considered acceptable and was comparable to the former Woolworths building. 

The proposed development also included removal of an external staircase situated in a pedestrianised area between the Promenade and Bank Hey Street which provided access to a walkway and bridge over Bank Hey Street which would also be removed should the application be approved.

Mr Shaw referred Members to the information in the Update Note regarding no further comments raised by Historic England to the outline planning application.  Further comments had been received by Blackpool Civic Trust and a resident of Cherry Tree Road and those comments had been included in the Update Note for Members’ consideration.  Mr Shaw also referred to a change to the wording of proposed Condition 2 to confirm that the permission, if granted, would only approve the scale and maximum height of the building with the building outline and layout of the top floor being subject to further consideration at Reserved Matters stage.

In response to questions from the Committee, Mr Shaw confirmed that alternative arrangements to satisfy fire regulations would need to be determined prior to demolition of the existing staircase. 

Responding to concerns raised by a Member regarding the impact of the proposed pick up and drop off point on the taxi rank on Bank Hey Street, Mr Patel stated that he shared similar concerns and would therefore not be in support of the current location for the pick up and drop off point, but would be willing to consider an alternative location.

The Committee carefully considered the site layout plans, particularly in relation to the potential extensions to the existing building.  In response to concerns raised, Mr Shaw confirmed that he was unaware of any proposal to extend northwards of the existing building or along Adelaide Street West.  He reassured Members that the design of the proposed development was the subject of ongoing discussions which would take into account the location of the development and would be subject to further consideration at Reserved Matters stage and this would be submitted to the Committee for consideration at a future meeting.

Resolved:  That the application be approved, subject to the conditions, and for the reasons set out in the Appendix to the minutes.

Background papers:  Applications, plans and replies to consultations on the application.