151 residential flats at Trafford House, Cherrydown East, Basildon

“The current application seeks a variation of condition 2 (approved drawings) of extant planning permission 20/00650/FULL under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This is sought to improve the legibility, buildability and safety of the development and, as a consequence, variations to the consented unit mix and external appearance for the creation of a three-storey rooftop addition and four storey front infill extensions over vehicle entrances to the…”

“As the application is for variations to an approved planning permission, the principle of the development has already been established. The application has been assessed against the Development Plan and other material considerations.”

“The application site is located on the southern edge of Basildon Town Centre, between the railway line to the north of the site and Cherrydown East to its south. It covers an area of just under 1 hectare. The site was formerly used as office accommodation for up to 1,200 Ford employees before being vacated in 2010 and converted to 384 private rented residential apartments in 2015/16.”

“To the south of the site is a residential development known as Morello Quarter comprising buildings ranging from 4 to 10 storeys in height. To the north-west The Icon is now an established 10 storey residential building. To the east of the site is a bus depot, with Basildon Bus Station to the north beyond the railway embankment. To the western boundary is Station Way, an important vehicle and pedestrian link crossing beneath the railway line.”

“Application Proposal Decision 10/01096/OUT Alteration and extension to create a building of 10 storeys to provide retail uses (Class A1/A3) and 359 residential units; a rear extension to provide car parking; landscaping and other works incidental to the development of the site; and demolition of the covered walkway off Station Way.”

“Granted 22.02.2016 20/00650/FULL Erection of a three-storey rooftop addition and four storey front infill extensions over vehicle entrances to existing building to create 151 residential flats (Use Class C3). Granted 07.06.2024 + S106 Agreement…”

“The proposed amendments would secure new residential accommodation including on site affordable housing. This would improve the housing stock of the Borough, contribute towards the Council’s shortfall in its five-year housing land supply and contribute towards the regeneration of the wider Basildon Town Centre.”

“Having regard to Paragraph 116 of the NPPF which states that development should only be prevented or refused on highways grounds if there would be an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or the residual cumulative impacts on the road network, following mitigation, would be severe, taking into account all reasonable future scenarios, it is considered there is no highway reason to refuse permission.”

“The key considerations were identified as the proposed differences from the approved scheme, in particular changes to the design and visual impact, roof top garden access, and housing tenure mix changes, including changes to the affordable housing offer.”

“In response to Members’ questions, the planning officer clarified that fire safety and access had been considered previously: Condition 11 required a fire statement and building regulation approval would be required separate to planning.”

“There being no further questions from Members, it was…”

“That Planning Application No. 25/00162/VAR be granted planning permission, subject to the conditions set out at section 7.2 of the report, with any amendments that might be necessary up to the issue of the decision notice, and the completion of a Deed of Variation to the existing S106 Legal Agreement to secure the planning obligations and contributions set out at Paragraph 5.64 of the report.”