Agenda item

            The Planning Manager explained that the site formed part of the wider Kings Hall complex at which Phase 1 works were already under way.

            He outlined the main issues which had been considered in the assessment of the application, including the setting of a listed building, demolition and impact on a Conservation Area, the design and impact on the character and appearance of the area, trees and landscaping, impact on residential amenity, access and parking and flooding.

            He explained that the site was unzoned whiteland in BUAP and, in the Draft BMAP 2004 and 2015, it was unzoned whiteland with a small portion along Balmoral Avenue having been identified as falling within the Malone Conservation Area. The proposed residential use did not conflict with the development plan or planning policy and was therefore acceptable in principle.

            The Members were advised that 4 objections had been received to date, citing issues with a change from the original proposal presented at the public consultation event, privacy and security of properties adjoining the new Balmoral access, unsafe access, traffic congestion, separation distances and a loss of mature boundary trees.

            The Planning Manager outlined that DFI Roads, Rivers Agency, HED, NI Water, DAERA, Environmental Health and the Tree officer had all offered no objection to the proposal.

            He explained that the proposal had been assessed against and was considered to comply with the BUAP, Draft BMAP, PPS3, PPS6, PPS7, PPS7 Addendum, PPS12, PPS15 and the SPPS.

            He drew the Committee’s attention to the Late Items pack and outlined that:

·         one further objection had been received, the details of which had already been addressed within the report;

·         further clarification from DFI Roads was required on the wording of condition 11 to ensure the correct drawing no.;

·         an amended recommendation would read “Delegated authority is sought for the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of conditions subject to no new substantive issues being raised by third parties and clarification from DFI Roads on the requirements of the access condition”.

            In response to a question from a Member regarding flooding, the planning manager confirmed that NI Water and Rivers agency had both been consulted and had no objections.

            In response to a question from another Member regarding the capacity and access onto Balmoral Avenue, he explained that DfI Roads had been consulted and were content with the proposals.

            The Chairperson welcomed Ms. E. Walker, agent, to the meeting.  She explained that:

·         a detailed drainage design had been signed off by NI water and full article 161 consent to discharge;

·         the scheme had been designed to meet the needs of older people who required some assistance but who wished to live independently, with access to emergency care, private amenity space and high quality living environment;

·         on-site parking had been revised on account of feedback from officers and DFI Roads, and that garden sizes had been increased;

·         separation distances, back to back from the houses on Harberton Park, were well in excess of requirements; and

·         a pocket park was included.

            Moved by Councillor Hussey,

            Seconded by Councillor Brooks,

      That the Committee grants approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report and to no new substantive planning issues being raised by third parties, and delegates power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions.

            On a vote, eleven members voted for the proposal and two against and it was declared carried.