Town-centre building refurbishment at 20 - 24 Queens Square and 2 - 4 Queensway, Northgate, Crawley

“The site contains a four-storey commercial building located on the eastern side of Queens Square. The building currently houses Decathlon’s shop (Use Class E) on the ground and first floor. The upper floors, which have a separate self-contained access from Queensway, are currently vacant. The building was designed as a department store.”

“The site lies within the Primary Shopping Frontage of the Primary Shopping Area defined in the Local Plan. The site is also situated within the Queens Square and The Broadway Conservation Area. It falls within the Long Distance View Splay from Tilgate Park and the Priority Area for District Energy Networks covering the town centre.”

“The building was constructed in the mid-late 1950s, following planning permissions CR/377/55 (Shops, commercial buildings and maisonettes. Section 3(1)) and CR/53/56 (Retail store).”

“CR/566/57 – Canopy etc. on roof. Permit • CR/142/65 – Alterations to windows etc. Permit • CR/278/65 – Alterations to entrance and window. Permit • CR/267/68 – Alterations. Permit • CR/155/88 – External alterations and refurbishment works. Permitted 06/06/88. This permission, along with related applications for shopfronts and signage, was part of works to convert the ground floor into four retail units.”

“Policy GI3 states that all development proposals will be expected to incorporate features to encourage biodiversity to prevent further decline. Developments of sites with low (or zero) existing baseline should use the Urban Greening Factor to achieve appropriate improvements and gains to the environment. This proposal predates the mandatory provision of Biodiversity Net Gain.”

“The proposed development would refurbish this building and reintroduce lost features, to enhance both the building’s appearance and the character of the Queens Square and The Broadway conservation area. No adverse impact upon surrounding amenity would result and the proposal is considered acceptable in transport terms and sustainability terms. Approval is recommended, subject to the conditions listed below.”

“GAL Aerodrome Safeguarding No objection subject to condition 2. WSCC Highways No objection 3. National Air Traffic Services (NATS) No safeguarding objection 4. Thames Water No objection 5. CBC Drainage Officer No response received 6. CBC Property Division No comments 7. CBC Environment Team No response received 8. CBC Environmental Health Officer No objection subject to condition 9. CBC Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Comments provided 10.”

“Site notices were displayed around the site on 16 January 2023, with an expiry date of 6 February 2023.”

“Neighbour consultation letters were sent to the following adjoining properties on 23 February 2023, with an expiry date of 16 March 2023:”

“The Committee then considered the application. Several Committee members expressed support for the proposal, stating that its design and appearance would provide a welcome improvement to a tired-looking building within the town centre. A query was raised regarding the lack of canopy which was a heritage feature of buildings in the immediate area; officers confirmed that the original canopy had been removed by the occupier and although…”

“Officers also provided the following clarifications in response to queries raised during the discussion: • The proposal included a lift for access to the upper floors. This was shown on the submitted plans but had not been labelled. • The application had not met its target decision date of April 2023 as it had not been able to demonstrate water neutrality.”

“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 Bidwell as the Vice-Chair.”