111 key worker apartments at Block C, County Hall, Taunton

The site

Block C is an eight-storey former office building beside Block B, with underground parking, landscaped gardens, nearby listed buildings and a conservation area.

“The site comprises a former 8 storey office building located on the junction of The Crescent and Upper High Street in Taunton. The building adjoins Block B of County Hall which continues to be used as for office purposes. The building benefits from underground parking and landscaped gardens to the south. The site is primarily surrounded by buildings ranging between 2 and 4 storeys and which are in a variety of uses, including residential, office and civic.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council objected, while the highway, ecology and tree officers raised no objections subject to measures and conditions.

“Taunton Town Council Object on grounds of design and appearance, impact on public visual amenity, layout and density, loss of trees and inadequate parking or servicing area. (See 12.3, 12.6, 12.7 and 12.5)”

“SC - Ecology No objection conditions required re ecological measures, BNG and 106 to secure off site provision. Instead of 106 recommend a HMMP condition. (See 12.8)”

Officer report

Neighbour comments

Two neighbours raised concerns about heritage, materials, a green roof, visitor cycles, mobility carts, disabled access and the extent of ground-floor use.

“Concern over provision for visitor cycles and mobility carts (See 12.5)”

“Concern over disabled access to lifts and extent of ground floor use (This is addressed through Building Regulations)”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the application, and the Head of Strategic Planning at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust spoke in support.

What councillors discussed

Councillors discussed parking, apartment sizes, the eastern elevation, the legal agreement, future use, trees, education pressure and the heritage balance.

“Councillors were invited to discuss the application, and the following points were raised and discussed: • Councillors raised concerns over the lack of parking that comes with the development. The Planning Officer confirmed that there are 10 spaces underground earmarked for the development. However, Councillors were dissatisfied with the lack of volume proposed.”

“The Planning Officer said that there is specific designs in the cladding to break up the elevation sight on that side. • Councillors raised queries regarding the section 106 and how the travel plan with implement this. The Lead Planning Officer clarified the draft travel plan was submitted with the application. • Councillors queried what would happen with the building, should the trust decide to close or move Musgrove Hospital what happens with the building now.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Perry proposed approval in line with the officer recommendation, Councillor Pugsley seconded it, and the committee voted unanimously for.

“Following the debate, Councillor Perry proposed that the application be approved as per officer recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Pugsley.”

“The prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement 2. The conditions set out in the committee report And that authority be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Chair (or Vice-Chair) of the Planning Committee where appropriate, to: a) Make minor amendments and refinements to the wording, numbering, and sequencing of planning conditions, b) Agree minor variations to the heads of terms and final drafting of the Section 106 Agreement, c) Add, amend,…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to completing a Section 106 agreement, complying with the conditions and delegated authority arrangements.

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission subject to:”

Minutes