Agenda item

To consider planning application 23/0830 for:

A hybrid application comprising of :

Outline - Erection of buildings for use as an education-led mixed use development comprising a new education campus building (Use Class F1(a)) and further education floorspace (Use Class F1(a)) and/or office floorspace (Class E(g)), creation of new public realm with associated landscaping, car parking and associated works.

Full - Demolition of existing building and structures.

The Committee considered planning application 23/0830 which was a Hybrid application comprising of Full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and structures and Outline planning permission for the erection of buildings for use as an education-led mixed use development comprising a new education campus building (Use Class F1(a)) and further education floor space (Use Class F1(a)) and/or office floor space (Class E(g)), creation of new public realm with associated landscaping, car parking and associated works.

Ms S Parker, Head of Development Management, outlined the report and provided the Committee with an overview of the application which was to enable the new education campus to be occupied by Blackpool and the Fylde College and would be known as the “Multiversity”. The application proposed the clearance of land between George Street to the north, Milbourne Street to the south, Cookson Street to the west and Grosvenor Street to the east.

The Committee was advised that it was proposed for the development to be phased with Phase 1 being for education use with Phase 2 offering flexibility for the provision of additional educational floor space if required. Alternatively the space could be used for new office accommodation to in the Talbot Gateway area.

Ms Parker advised the Committee that the application was for full permission for demolition, and outline permission for the new floor space. Whilst all matters were reserved, the information submitted indicated a pedestrianised plaza to be created along with a modern building with glazing. The lighting suggested would provide animation in the evening and the building would facilitate renewable energy generation and have a green roof area. The Committee was advised that the location was visually sensitive due to the proximity to the Town Centre Conservation Area, its prominent position and the proximity to statutorily and locally listed buildings, including Blackpool Tower. As such, this development required an Environmental Impact Assessment. Ms Parker noted that the Environmental Statement had been submitted but not fully agreed by both parties and work was continuing on this.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the Update Note and the clarification of recommendations which would preclude the grant of planning permission until the Environmental Statement had been fully agreed, until Active Travel England had confirmed that it had no objection and also until the Secretary of State had confirmed that the application would not be called in. In respect of Active Travel England, Ms Parker informed the Committee that an objection had been received in relation to a lack of cycling infrastructure and its response was awaited to a revised Transport Assessment. Additional representations had been received as detailed in the Update Note and the Committee was reminded that that the application had been publicised in full accordance with all statutory requirements.

In terms of regeneration the Multiversity would accommodate more than 3,600 learners, would generate 190 new jobs and support local shops and services. In addition, it would provide important regeneration in one of Blackpool’s most deprived areas and the Talbot Gateway business hub. Ms Parker advised that the 10% biodiversity net gain requirement did not apply to the application but that the scheme would meet or exceed BREEAM ‘very good’ standards. In addition, no significant issues in relation to drainage or ecology had been identified.

In respect of highways matters, it was proposed to close George Street and further modelling work would be required and the best approach could be secured via condition. No substantive parking provision was proposed on site, however the location was easily accessible and close to public car parks. The Council’s Highways Team, therefore, had no objection to the application subject to further works and the appropriate conditions being secured.

Ms Parker advised the Committee that the scheme was considered to be acceptable in principle and that there was no requirement for the applicant to demonstrate a need for the facility or comply with the sequential test. In relation to planning obligations, full obligations would not be delivered in relation to trees, however this would be mitigated by the provision of green roofing and external landscaping.

The visual impact of the proposed Multiversity was outlined and Ms Parker acknowledged that this would be sizeable, but that he benefits of the scheme outweighed the impact of the building. In relation to Blackpool Tower, the development would impact on the setting, however no strategic views would be affected.

Ms Parker asked the Committee to support to support the application and delegate approval to the Head of Development Management subject to either Active Travel England withdrawing their objection to the scheme or the Secretary of State confirming that he does not wish to call the application in for his own determination, to support subject to confirmation that the Environmental Statement submitted in support of the application was acceptable and subject to the conditions as outlined in the Committee Report and the Update Report and to authorise the Head of Development Management to make changes to the wording of the conditions as may be appropriate as long as the changes would not materially affect what the condition was trying to achieve or the permission overall.

Mr G Whyte spoke in objection to the scheme and raised concerns regarding the compulsory purchase of residential properties, the consultation process and also the suitability of the site for educational purposes. Mr Whyte raised the issue of the lack of parking for staff and pupils and his view that other sites would be more suitable.

Ms Parker advised the Committee that the application had been publicised as an educational facility and in accordance with statutory requirement and noted that the planning application process was a separate process to Compulsory Purchase Order processes.

Mr E Harvey, Agent for the Applicant, spoke in favour of the application and advised the Committee that the development was an important step in continuing works for the Talbot Gateway area and would increase footfall and regeneration in that area. Provision of the Multiversity would expand the student cohort and provide more educational opportunities and employment within the Blackpool area. Mr Harvey outlined the benefits of the scheme and asked the Committee to support the application.

The Committee discussed the application and representations received.

Resolved:

1.      To support the application and delegate approval to the Head of Development Management subject to:

·         Either Active Travel England withdrawing their objection to the scheme or the Secretary of State confirming that he does not wish to call the application in for his own determination.

·         Confirmation that the Environmental Statement submitted in support of the application is acceptable.

2.      To support the application subject to the conditions as set out in the Committee Report and revised conditions in the Update Note.

3.      To authorise the Head of Development Management, in consultation with the Chair of the Planning Committee, to make changes to the wording of the conditions as may be appropriate as long as the changes would not materially affect what the condition is trying to achieve or the permission overall.