Car park elevation repairs at Multi Storey Car Park, Exchange Road, Northgate, Crawley

What was proposed

The application proposed partially infilling openings and applying a new render finish to part of the car park’s southern elevation.

“The application seeks planning permission for the making good of part of the southern elevation of the existing multi-storey car park, following demolition works associated with the former Town Hall building. The works relate to the area of the car park elevation which has been, or will be, exposed as a result of the removal of the former stairwell and lift structure which previously connected to the former Town Hall.”

“The proposed works comprise the partial infilling of existing openings within the southern elevation, together with the application of a new render finish to the affected part of the elevation. The proposed render would be finished in Pewter Grey, from K Rend’s Scraped Texture Range.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The five-storey car park is in Crawley town centre, with its southern elevation facing The Boulevard and visible from public areas.

“The application site contains the multi-storey car park on Exchange Road, within the Northgate area of Crawley town centre. The site is located to the north of The Boulevard, the new Town Hall and the area formerly occupied by the previous Town Hall building. Geraint Thomas House is situated directly to the west of the car park, with the Telephone Exchange building located to the north.”

“The outline application (CR/2017/0997/OUT) for the redevelopment of the former Town Hall site includes the erection of a residential building, a commercial unit and a new public square. This future development would sit to the south of the car park and would cover a substantial proportion of the car park’s southern elevation. However, until any potential redevelopment takes place, the south elevation remains highly visible from surrounding public areas.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and works

The works followed demolition of the former Town Hall structures and related to wider redevelopment proposals for the former Town Hall site.

“CR/2021/0301/FUL – Re-routing of pipework to provide heating and electricity to the buildings included within the wider Town Hall redevelopment master plan and other developments within Crawley town centre. Permitted 25/08/21”

“CR/2018/0139/FUL – Erection of a District Energy Centre building and associated control room/store, underground pipe work route to provide heating and electricity to the buildings included within the wider Town Hall redevelopment master plan and other developments within Crawley town centre. Granted 23 November 2018.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the works would improve the exposed elevation without harming the area or neighbouring amenity.

“The proposal would provide an appropriate external treatment to the exposed southern elevation of the existing multi-storey car park following demolition works associated with the former Town Hall. The works are acceptable in principle and would improve the appearance of the elevation without causing harm to the character of the area, neighbouring amenity.”

“The application is therefore considered acceptable and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application, after the Principal Planning Officer summarised it and the relevant planning considerations.

Committee discussion

A member queried the elevation’s visual amenity, and officers explained why grey render suited the proposed materials.

“The Committee then considered the application. A Committee member raised a query about the visual amenity of the elevation that was the subject of the works. O fficers explained that the elevation was proposed to be made up of a combination of blockwork, cement, and grey render, so it was felt that grey was a suitable colour choice that would blend in with the materials used.”

Minutes

The vote

The recommendation was moved by the Chair and seconded by the Vice-Chair before the committee voted.

“The Committee then moved to a vote on the recommendation set out in the report. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana as the Chair and seconded by Councillor LeTissier as the Vice-Chair.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee permitted the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“Permit subject to the conditions set out in report PES/528c.”

Minutes