Construction of 34 sheltered housing units for the elderly, warden
accommodation, 2 staff units, communal facilities and parking for residents,
staff and George IV hotel together with landscaping (reserved matters
application under approval C16/0292/35/LL).
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Eirwyn Williams
Minutes:
Erection of 34
sheltered housing units for the elderly, warden accommodation, two staff units,
communal facilities, parking provision for residents, staff and George VI Hotel
together with landscaping (reserved matters application under permission
C16/0292/35/LL).
(a) The Planning Manager elaborated on the
background of the application, noting that considerations relating to
principle, access, plan and size had been received and approved as part of the
outline application, and that the application being submitted only dealt with
appearance and landscaping.
It
was highlighted that the exterior finishes of the building were very
commonplace in the area and it was believed that the proposal was a suitable
reflection of these common finishes.
It was noted that the site was located near listed
buildings, within the Cricieth Conservation Area and
was visible from the Cricieth Castle site. It was not
believed that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the setting of
the listed buildings nearby, the conservation area or the historic designations
further away, such as the castle.
The development was acceptable in terms of relevant local and national
policies for the reasons noted in the report.
(b) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant’s agent
noted the following main points:-
·
That the building's design had been amended with
considerable changes to the external appearance of the building. As a result of
the Committee's observations when the outline application was discussed, the
use of stone was increased;
·
That a considerable discussion had been held on the
landscaping plan during the appeal where it had been noted as acceptable;
·
A garden would be created in front of the hotel and
by the side of the building, thus keeping clear visibility from the High Street
towards the castle. The landscaping had been discussed with CADW and the
Council's Conservation Officer and based on the consensus, the landscaping plan
would be pursued, rather than tree planting as suggested by the Trees Officer.
(c) The
local member (a member of this Planning Committee), noted that he had no
objection to the application, requesting the Committee to address the
observations of the Trees Officer.
(ch) It was proposed and seconded to approve the
application.
In
response to the local member's observation, the Planning Manager noted that the
Trees Officer had stated that the planting plan was insufficient and that
additional indigenous trees needed to be planted, including ash trees. She
elaborated that there was a need to balance the comments of the Trees Officer
against the views of CADW and protecting the clear views towards the castle and
across the hotel's gardens. It was explained that formal gardens had been located
on the site originally, not a coppice, and so a coppice in the centre of Cricieth would look out of place, particularly considering
that it would not protect the views. It was noted that there was agreement with
the agent that a formal garden was appropriate.
A member noted
that she understood the views of the Trees Officer, however, in order to
protect the views, the landscaping plan was acceptable and it was to be
welcomed.
A
member highlighted that the majority of the local objections were irrelevant to
this application and that the development was in keeping with the listed
buildings nearby. The member noted that the landscaping offered by the
applicant was acceptable and that it was important to have clear views of the
hotel's gardens and the castle.
RESOLVED to approve the application.
Conditions:
1. Compliance with plans
2. Note to maintain the
development in accordance with previous conditions
3. Welsh Water Note
Supporting documents: