61 sheltered apartments at 84 - 100 Park Street, Camberley

What was proposed

The application sought changes to an approved 61-apartment sheltered housing scheme, including fewer parking spaces, updated plans, landscaping, glazing and building services.

“The proposed amended car parking layout would reduce the total on-site parking provision from 61 to 49 cars. As a consequence, this requires revisions to the landscaping scheme. Other changes include a reduction in the building’s footprint and the addition of an electricity sub-station and standby generator. The mix of units would change with an increase of 1 bed units and a corresponding reduction of 2 bed units i.e. up from 27 to 35 no. 1 bed and down from 34 to 26 no.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a redevelopment area in Camberley town centre, with residential buildings and homes nearby and demolition already lawfully started.

“This application site is a development site which lies on the east side of Park Street north of the Aldershot to Camberley railway line within the defined Camberley Town Centre. The site includes a number of vacant buildings previously used for business including offices, an estate agency and wine merchants. The site has been hoarded awaiting redevelopment. Some demolition works have taken place and the redevelopment has therefore lawfully commenced.”

“Marlborough House, a residential block above commercial unit, lies to the north of the site, with Firwood Court and residential properties in Firwood Drive to the rear of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The original apartment scheme was refused, allowed on appeal, and later amended through several approved applications and a lawful development certificate.

“23/0367/CEU Certificate of Existing Lawful Development for the commencement of the development under planning permission 18/0613 (granted on appeal) of the demolition of existing buildings on the site and erection of 61 sheltered apartments with associated access, electric buggy/cycle store, refuse bin stores, landscaping and 61 parking spaces…”

“25/0796/NMA A non-material amendment application pursuant to 18/0613 (granted on appeal and as amended) to amend the description of development through the deletion of the specified number of parking spaces permitted so as to relate to the demolition of buildings on the site and the erection of 61 sheltered apartments with associated access, electric buggy/cycle store, refuse bin store and landscaping and car parking…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the sustainable location, highway position and limited effects on character and residential amenity made the changes acceptable.

“The proposal would not have any adverse impact on residential amenity and local character or trees. The site is in a highly sustainable location being in the town centre and the County Highways Authority raise no objection to the scheme.”

“A legal agreement was applied to the original development under 18/0613 with a clause which confirmed that it would also apply to any future application under Section 73 of the Act and as such a deed of variation is not required. The application is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application under the committee’s public speaking scheme.

What members discussed

Members discussed the minimum age, parking numbers and layout, allocation, visitor parking and whether a car pool scheme was appropriate.

“The Committee discussed and questioned the minimum age of 55 on the future occupants of the proposed development.”

“Members asked if a car pool scheme was appropriate for this site and it was confirmed by the planning team that it was not and adding a condition to request one was not necessary.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The officer recommendation to grant subject to conditions was proposed, seconded and carried unanimously, with no votes against or abstentions.

“The officer’s recommendation to grant the application, subject to conditions was proposed by Councillor Victoria Wheeler, seconded by Councillor Jonathan Quin, put to the vote and carried.”

“Note 1 In accordance with Part 4, Section D, Paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting for the officer’s recommendation to grant the application, subject to conditions was unanimous and the councillors were as follows:”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions.

“RESOLVED that application 25/0814/PMR be approved, subject to conditions.”

Minutes