32 apartments at Reids, 66 Laindon Road, Billericay

What is proposed

The application proposes rebuilding the fire-damaged building and constructing another three-storey block, providing 32 flats with parking, access, refuse storage and landscaping.

“Full planning permission is sought for the full rebuild of the fire damaged building after suffering severe structural damage, while preserving the original design and layout of the building. This would form a three storey residential building along with a new three storey residential apartment building to the rear providing a total of 32 residential dwellings and associated access, parking, refuse, drainage, landscaping and other infrastructure works.”

“To the rear of the main building a new detached three storey building containing 15no. flats is proposed. This block is a maximum of three storeys in height with a two storey element to the rear and a partial undercroft parking area. The block would be constructed on part of the existing car park within the south-west corner of the site. This block would measure a maximum of 22m wide x 41m deep x 9.4m high.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The former bar, restaurant and nightclub is a brownfield site near Billericay High Street, within the Conservation Area and beside residential homes.

“Immediately to the east and west of the site along Quilters Drive are residential dwellinghouses, predominantly two stories in height. To the south-east of the site is Little Legs pre-school and The Folds art centre which is run by the Billericay Arts Association and the building rented from Basildon Council.”

“The site is located within Billericay Conservation Area and the original building was identified as a building of local interest. The map Below shows the extent of the Conservation Area around the site (the Conservation Area is in purple):”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would provide homes in a sustainable location, improve the site and reuse a building of historic importance.

“The proposed development will provide 32 new homes to the local area in a highly sustainable location. It would replace the original fire damaged building, improving the visual amenities of the local area. There are clear public benefits associated with the proposed development which are considered to satisfactorily outweigh the low level of ‘less than substantial harm’ attributed to the original fire-damaged structure.”

“The proposed design of the development, its impact on neighbours and the standard of accommodation is considered to be satisfactory. Whilst the proposed parking falls below standard, exceptions can be made on sites like this – the site is located within a highly sustainable location within close proximity of Billericay High Street and further justification for this is provided within the main body of the report.”

Officer report

Consultees and local comments

Highways and several technical consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while drainage concerns were addressed by additional information before the meeting.

“No objection; subject to conditions in respect of a construction method statement, upgraded access, means to prevent the discharge of surface water from the development onto the highway, that no unbound material shall be used in the surface treatment of the vehicular access, that the development shall not be occupied until all the parking spaces, including cycle spaces have been provided.”

“Surface water drainage schemes on brownfield development sites should follow the same principles as if the site is greenfield. However, if it is unfeasible to restrict runoff rates back to the 1 in 1-year greenfield runoff rate, the LLFA will accept discharge rates to be restricted to as close as feasibly possible to the 1 in 1- year greenfield runoff rate.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Residents objected to parking, traffic, height, overlooking, scale, noise and construction standards, while supporters welcomed the rebuilding and smaller homes.

“The development has insufficient parking for residents • Insufficent parking for maintain workers and deliveries • The proposal would create unacceptable increase in traffic and congestion • Height of the development would dominate and overlook neighbours • Overdevelopment. Excessive height, scale and number of homes being proposed. • Detrimental to highway safety; Laindon Road will not be able to support the additional traffic this development will create.”

“The supporting comments state: • Support for rebuilding building like for like with original building • High quality dwellings • Careful work with the heritage department • Good number of smaller homes…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke in support, describing the developer as local and saying the scheme would provide starter homes for local people.

Members’ discussion

Members recognised that the principle was established and that redevelopment of the fire-damaged brownfield site would benefit the area.

“Members recognised that the principle of development had already been established and that the locality would benefit from redevelopment of a fire- damaged brownfield site.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to a Section 106 agreement covering contributions, viability reviews, fees and the report’s conditions.

“That Planning Application No. 25/01322/FULL be granted planning permission subject to the completion of a Deed of Variation of the existing Section 106 Agreement to secure financial contributions towards public realm improvements, monitoring existing on-street parking controls, sustainable transport, healthcare, open space, culture, play and sports provision, the Local Delivery Pilot and employment and skills, early and late stage viability review of the proposal, monitoring…”

Minutes