49 retirement flats at Somers Court, Somers Road, Wisbech

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing building and erecting 49 retirement flats in a part two-storey and part three-storey block with parking and landscaping.

“PROPOSAL 3.1. The application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of the existing affordable sheltered housing at Somers Court and its replacement with 49 affordable retirement living apartments within a single purpose-built building, together with associated access, parking, and landscaping. There will be 44 one bedroom apartments and 5 two bedroom apartments.”

“The proposed building is arranged as a part two- and part three-storey structure positioned centrally within the site, set within landscaped grounds.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a previously developed sheltered housing complex in Wisbech, surrounded mainly by homes and close to listed buildings and the Conservation Area.

“SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1. The application site comprises an established sheltered housing complex, known as Somers Court, located off Somers Road within the built-up area of Wisbech. The site is previously developed land and is currently occupied by a low-rise residential building set within areas of hardstanding and managed open space.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character, comprising a mix of building types and styles, including terraced housing to the north and a varied urban grain. The site lies in close proximity to a number of designated heritage assets, including Grade II listed buildings along South Brink and within the wider area, as well as being immediately adjacent (but ultimately not within) to the Wisbech Conservation Area.”

Officer report

What residents raised

Residents objected to the building’s scale and design, wall stability, overlooking, overshadowing, loss of light and overdevelopment.

“Objecting Comments Officer Response Impact on character and heritage Matters relating to design, character and heritage impacts are considered in the below assessment. Design concerns Overall scale of building alongside Edes Terrace is too high Concern over stability and preservation of wall between Somers Court and Edes Terrace Overlooking Matters relating to residential amenity impacts are considered in the below assessment.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s Delivery Development Manager described the accommodation, its facilities, local need, parking expectations and construction benefits.

What members debated

Members discussed drainage objections, disabled parking, nearby parking, construction vibration, concrete crushing, heritage protection and safeguards through conditions.

“Councillor Marks stated that with regards to the earlier points made concerning car parking he still has concerns because there are 49 properties for elderly people and elderly people do need to open their car doors. He expressed the view that with just three disabled parking spaces for the whole scheme he feels that it is inadequate. Matthew Leigh stated that members need to consider the application in front of them and the officer’s report does deal with this matter.”

“Councillor Mrs French added that nobody has mentioned the comments of the Conservation Officer as it is her understanding that the officer is not happy, which she fully appreciates, and she would hope that there are going to be conditions imposed that there is no damage caused to any of the nearby assets.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The application was proposed and seconded for approval, with authority delegated to officers to formulate conditions.

“Proposed by Councillor Imafidon, seconded by Councillor Rackley and agreed that the application be GRANTED with authority delegated to officers to formulate conditions.”

“(Councillors Imafidon and Rackley registered, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that they are members of Wisbech Town Council but take no part in planning)”

Minutes