Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

The Development Management Team Leader submitted a report and elaborated thereon. Members’ attention was drawn to information contained within the addendum which showed that historical bodies had no objections to the application. It was noted that a similar scheme had previously been approved and that the proposed development was in line with Council policies and would contribute towards the town’s employment and bringing listed buildings back into use.

In response to questions, Members heard that whilst there was no provision for on-site parking, the development was very close to town centre parking and well served by public transport.

RESOLVED:

N/2016/1428 – Planning Application:

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions as set out in the report, additional Condition 20, amendments to Conditions 13, 14, and for the following reason:

The development as proposed is acceptable and would contribute to the aims of regenerating the town centre, providing employment opportunities and bring a prominent group of underused Grade II listed buildings within Derngate Conservation Area back into a viable long term use, the harm to which arising from the proposed alterations, additions and demolition is considered to be less than substantial and outweighed by the public benefits. The design and appearance of the new build element would be in contrast with but sympathetic to the existing heritage assets and surrounding build context. The proposal would not lead to any undue impacts in respect of flood risk, highways or impact on surrounding amenity in accordance with the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies S7, S10, E7, BN5, BN9, N1 and N2 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and Strategic Objectives S01 and S02, Policies 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 21 of the Northampton Central Area Action Plan.

N/2016/1388 – Listed Building Application

That the application be APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE subject to the conditions as set out in the report, subject to no adverse comments received from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and for the following reason:

The development as proposed is acceptable and would bring a prominent group of underused Grade II listed buildings within Derngate Conservation Area back into a viable long term use. The harm to the listed buildings arising from the proposed alterations, additions and demolition is considered less than substantial and outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme in bringing these Grade II listed buildings back into use with a use sympathetic to the buildings’ heritage which would make a positive contribution to the regeneration of the town centre and conservation are and lead to the creation of employment opportunities. The design and appearance of the new build element would be in contrast with but sympathetic to the buildings’ heritage assets and surrounding build context. The proposal is therefore considered to be in accordance with the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies S10 and BN5 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and Policy 1 of the Northampton Central Area Action Plan.