10 flats and office extension at 49 - 51 North Hill, Plymouth

What was proposed

The application proposed converting and extending an office building to provide 10 flats, retain and enlarge the ground-floor office, and alter the site.

“Description of Site This application relates to No. 49-51 North Hill. The building is a three-storey office block with a hipped roof. The building sits at the end of a Victorian terrace, on the junction where Skardon Place joins North Hill. The building was constructed in the mid-1980s in a pigmented yellow/sand colour concrete block. The site includes a parking courtyard to the rear and some areas of landscaping.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Permission had already been deemed granted to convert the first and second floors into four flats, but that permission had not been implemented.

“24/01278/GPD - Change of use of first and second floor from Office (Class E) to 4no. flats (Class C3) - Deemed decision…”

“02/00952/ADV - Externally illuminated projecting sign - Grant conditionally…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways and public protection raised no objections subject to conditions, while urban design and low-carbon officers objected to aspects of the proposal.

“Consultation Responses Highway Authority - No objection subject to conditions Public Protection Service - No objection subject to conditions Urban Design - Object to the design of the building Economic Development - No objection Housing Delivery - No objection Low Carbon team - Object to the use of gas boilers Natural Infrastructure - Further information required South West Water - Applicant to contact SWW direct in relation to surface water drainage Environment Agency -…”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters cited housing need, reuse of vacant space and economic benefits; objectors raised parking, refuse, design, trees, student accommodation and employment-space concerns.

“- There is a high demand for good quality accommodation, particularly in well-connected locations and this proposal would provide much needed homes - Highly attractive for tenants and a valuable addition to the housing stock - Inclusion and expansion of the ground floor office contributes positively to the local economy - Thoughtful and practical development that meets local needs and enhances the community - There are already 25 vacant business premises in the PL4 area…”

“Object: - Post-graduates are likely to buy cars and Skardon Place cannot accommodate additional parking - Additional refuse lorries in this cul-de-sac will exacerbate issues in Skardon Place - Additional storey is neither attractive nor in keeping with the adjacent building or buildings on the opposite side of the street - It is disappointing trees have been severely pruned - Retail office needed to create opportunities - North Hill is overly populated with student…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application, the ward councillor spoke, the applicant spoke, and an urban design officer answered questions.

The decision

The committee granted the application conditionally, subject to a S106 agreement, as set out in the recommendation.

“Following discussions, the Committee agreed to grant the application conditionally, subject to S106, as set out in the report.”

Minutes