Supported living accommodation at Ermin Hall, Gloucester

What was proposed

The application sought to change 84 student units and a manager’s office into 49 supported living units with affordable social-rent accommodation and support.

“Proposal: Change of Use from 84 No. Units of student accommodation and a managers office, to 49 No. Units of residential accommodation for supported living and as 100 per cent affordable accommodation at social rents, without care (and not defined for Planning Use Class C2A), but with support as defined by HM Government and HM Governments Regulator of Social Housing, including a reception, office, and a combined resident training - meeting - consultation space (sui generis…”

Officer report

The site and building

Ermin Hall is an existing multi-storey building with parking, amenity space, cycle storage and vehicle access from Denmark Road.

“The site is situated on the north side of Denmark Road just to the east of its junction with Kingsholm Road. The building is an elongated L-shape in footprint, with the long edge of the building facing onto Denmark Road at 3 full storeys plus accommodation in the roof space above. This rises to 4 full storeys at the east end where the building has a shorter return section extending northwards. Although physically attached, the two sections of the building…”

Officer report

Planning history

The building replaced earlier structures and received permission in 2003 for 88 student accommodation bedrooms, subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

“Application Number Proposal Decision Decision Date 02/00829/FUL Demolition of existing buildings. Erection of student accommodation building (88 no. bedrooms) Granted subject to conditions and S106 23.07.2003”

“44/13480/HIST P/331/72:- ERECTION OF STORAGE BUILDING (TO REPLACE EXISTING) Approved subject to conditions 03.05.1972 44/13485/HIST P/721/68:- ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY OFFICE BUILDING Approved subject to conditions 30.08.1968 96/00138/COU Use of land for period of 1 year in connection with sand and gravel business on adjoining land. Refused 09.05.1996”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highway Authority and Police raised no objections subject to measures, while the Housing Strategy team recommended approval and the Conservation Officer raised no objection.

“The Housing Strategy team recommends approval. Their comments also explain their understanding of the applicant’s housing model and how it would fit into the network of housing provision for the City, explain other supported housing provision in the ward, offer views on the concentration of uses in the area, parking provision impacts and amenity impacts, and note the Council’s adopted Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2020-25 aims to increase the supply of homes, make…”

“The Police make no objection to the scheme, rather their representation offers a range of comments, including reporting trends in calls to the Police related to YMCA properties, offering advice on prevention features and techniques designed in to limit the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) and suggesting the Designing Out Crime Officer is included in the ongoing design process and building refit.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Hilton, a local resident and a YMCA representative addressed the committee, presenting views for and against the application.

What members discussed

Members debated housing need, building reuse, outdoor space, security, parking, local services, conditions, community concerns and the effects of refusing permission.

“The building had been used for around 20 years by 84 students, though he acknowledged that the nature of the use would change. The applicant had experience in delivering the type of scheme proposed and had deemed the amount of social space to be sufficient. The YMCA also offer access to residents to their sporting and recreational facilities elsewhere.”

“Councillor Marshall said that she supported the application, noting personal experience of living near psychiatric facilities and working in mental health. She stressed that persons from all walks of life deserved housing and should not be stigmatised. She said that the proposal would help integrate residents into the local community and provide employment opportunities. Whilst she acknowledged that the green space needed renovation, she believed it was adequate.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The Chair proposed approval, Councillor Lewis seconded it, and the committee resolved to grant permission subject to the stated conditions.

“The Chair proposed, and Councillor Lewis seconded the proposal to grant the application subject to the conditions outlined in the officer report.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions outlined in the officer report.”

Minutes