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 planning application 17/0193 for outline planning permission for the erection of part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 storey block of 88 self-contained permanent flats with car parking for 88 vehicles, access and associated works, following demolition of existing hotels.

Mr Johnston presented the Committee with an overview of the application and the site location, layout plans.  He reminded Members that this was the third application submitted for this development, following the Committee’s refusal of the previous two applications.  The key differences between the current and previous applications were reported which included a reduction in the number of flats, an increase in the number of car parking spaces which now represented one per flat which in his view was adequate, and the removal of the penthouse floor. Mr Johnston presented Members with visual images of the proposed development and reported on its size, scale and comparison with the previously approved Hampton by Hilton development and other neighbouring properties.  He reported on the significant investment in holiday accommodation in the area from the Hampton by Hilton development and the difficulties in attracting further holiday investment in the area.  In his view, the proposal provided for a new residential offer in the area envisaged by Policies CS2 and CS23 of the Blackpool Local Plan Part 1:  Core Strategy.

Ms Harrison, public objector, spoke against the application. Her main concerns included the impact on the amenity of the occupiers of neighbouring properties due to the scale, mass and height of the proposed development.  Further concerns related to the width of adjacent roads and the lack of a sunpath and daylight analysis.  Additional photographs submitted by Ms Harrison at the meeting were circulated to the Committee for consideration.

Mr Richardson spoke in support of the application on behalf of the Applicant.  He referred to the changes made to the previous applications and his view that the current proposal represented the only viable option for development of the site and addressed the issues previously raised in relation to the mass and intensity of the proposed development.  He referred to the significant changes to the area around the proposed development since 2011.

In response to questions from the Committee relating to access for emergency vehicles, Mr Patel confirmed that although the building regulation guidelines recommended a minimum distance of approximately 20 metres, discussions held with representatives from the emergency services had raised no objections to the proposal.

During consideration of the application, the Committee acknowledged the changes made by the Applicants to address the issues raised in the reasons for refusal of the previous applications and the lack of alternative viable options for development of the site.

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.

NOTE:  Councillor O’Hara, having been involved in pre-application discussions with the Applicant, left the room whilst the application was being discussed and did not speak or vote on the application.