Agenda item

Considered

The report of the Assistant Director Planning – Community Development Service requesting Members to determine an application for the change of use of Gilling Castle and Foals Yard outbuilding to form 10no. one-bed, 10no. two-bed and 1no. three-bed later living rental apartments, erection of 6no. one-bed and 8no. two-bed dwellings following demolition of existing buildings in the grounds together with

leisure and sporting facilities, associated access including temporary removal and subsequent reinstatement of the north and south Grade II Listed piers and attached railings off Main Street, parking, landscaping, infrastructure, sub-station and engineering operations on land at St Martins Ampleforth, The Castle, Main Street, Gilling East

The application represented a departure from the adopted Development Plan and was recommended for approval, therefore, it was reported to the Committee for determination.

A Planning Officer presented the report, highlighting the proposals; the site location and description; the context to the application; planning guidance; and policy and planning considerations. The report also provided conclusions and recommendations.

An update report published after the initial report provided details of removal of condition 16 from the list of conditions and the provision of an additional informative to clarify the operation of Condition 56 and was outlined by the Officer.

Reference was made to further submissions from the applicant and Sports England.

A late objection to the application had been received prior to the meeting in respect of potential drainage issues. The details of this were outlined to the Committee and addressed by the Planning Officer in his presentation.

It was noted that a representative of the local Parish Council had withdrawn from speaking at the meeting but had indicated the support of the Parish Council for the proposals.

David Kemp representing the applicant addressed the Committee highlighting the following.

·        The listed building in the application had fallen into disrepair following the closure of the school that was located there.

·        The proposals provided a long term, sustainable future for the building and had been agreed by Historic England.

·        The sports pitch on the site was not required as it was sub-standard and there were appropriate facilities available at the nearby Ampleforth College.

·        The facilities and additional housing would be aimed at the ‘later living’ (55+) age group.

Members discussed the applications and the following issues were outlined:-

·        It was asked whether the additional housing in the proposal was also aimed at the ‘later living’ age group. In response it was stated that this was expected to be the case, however, there was no planning basis whereby an age restriction could be imposed. The Member had concerns that the facility could become a ‘gated community’ and would be reassured if a condition relating to the age profile could be provided. It was noted that the age profile of those locating to the facilities would be determined by the developer and the aim was to provide ‘later living’ accommodation.

·        A member asked whether the proposed wellness centre would be available for public use. In response it was stated that this issue would be the subject of further discussions with the developer.

·        The absence of affordable housing within the scheme was a departure from the Development Plan but provided a viable option to restore and maintain the Castle. A requirement for affordable housing would need a complete change to the submitted application.

·        It was noted that the red line of the site excluded the wider Registered Park and Garden and it was asked what was proposed in terms of maintenance for that area. In response it was noted that the wider Registered Park and Garden was not within the development site and would be the subject of other maintenance arrangements.

·        Issues relating to drainage had been the subject of consultation with Yorkshire water and they had not raised any concerns.

·        The change of use had been determined in line with local and national policies, alongside the restoration of a historic asset.

·        Issues relating to accommodation, parking and the location of staff were discussed. 

·        Potential public access to the site was under consideration with various events and open days being planned. A single public right of way was located on the site and it was expected that this would be utilised to promote public use and access.

Members debated the application and the following issues were highlighted:-

·        Members considered that, overall, this was a worthwhile scheme, despite the departure from policy in terms of not providing affordable housing, but provided an opportunity to restore a heritage asset and create new housing predominantly for the ‘later living’ age group.

Resolved

That that the application be GRANTED in accordance with the conditions listed in the report subject to the removal of Condition 16 and the provision of an additional informative to clarify the operation of Condition 56

The voting on this resolution was unanimous.