Agenda item

DC/18/0584 - Storrington Squash Club, Greyfriars Lane, Storrington

Ward: Chantry

Applicant: Storrington Squash Club

Minutes:

The Head of Development reported that this application sought permission for the demolition of a squash club and erection of a three storey building comprising six 2-bedroom and two 1-bedroom flats with 14 car parking spaces and landscaping.  Matters for consideration under this outline application were the principle of the development, access and layout.  The current proposal had been amended by reducing the number of flats from 10 to eight to address concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed building to the north and east boundaries.

 

The application site was located within the built-up area of Storrington and included a private members squash club with changing facilities, gym and club room. Storrington Community Centre and Museum were to the north, Storrington Tennis Club to the west, three Grade II Listed Buildings to the east, and a car park used by the squash club and tennis club to the south. 

 

Details of relevant government and council policies, as contained within the report, were noted by the Committee.  Members noted details of DC/15/1992 for nine flats with 10 parking spaces, which had been refused by the Committee in May 2017 (Minute No. PCS/126 (16.5.17) refers).  It was noted that the reason for refusal (lack of sufficient on-site parking spaces) had been overcome in the current application. 

 

Members were advised that Condition 3 should be amended to ensure a very robust Construction Method Statement by adding additional requirements: details of the access to the site for construction vehicles and the type of vehicles to be used. It was also noted that any arrangement made between the applicant and the tennis club that might be agreed to allow the access and egress to encroach beyond the site’s boundaries was a private matter. 

 

The Parish Council had objected to the original application and to the amended scheme.  Seven objections had been received, with a further two objections received in response to the amended plans.  Storrington Tennis Club had raised a number of concerns to the original and amended plans. 

 

Since publication of the report a further objection from the tennis club had been received regarding: inadequate access without encroachment on their land; the boundary of the site; the safety of tennis club members during demolition and construction; and inadequate residential and visitor parking.

 

Two members of the public associated with the tennis club spoke in objection to the application.  The applicant and the manager of the squash club addressed the Committee in support of the proposal. A representative of the Parish Council spoke in objection to the application.

 

Members considered the officer’s planning assessment which indicated that the key issues for consideration in determining the proposal were:  the principle of development; affordable housing; character and appearance; impact on neighbouring amenity; highways; and the required Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). 

 

Members noted that since the previous refusal, the Storrington, Sullington & Washington Neighbourhood Plan had progressed. A draft plan had been submitted in July 2017.  The Inspector required the plan to be heard at a public hearing which had been held in September 2018.  The results of the hearing had not been heard yet and, given the uncertainty regarding the plan, it did not carry full weight but was a material consideration. 

 

Members noted that the current facility was not viable and, whilst some concerns regarding access remained, noted the requirements under Condition 3 and the Highway Authority consultation response, and concluded that the proposal was acceptable. 

 

In response to concerns regarding use of the tennis club’s parking area, it was agreed that an Informative would be submitted to the applicant advising that future occupiers and their visitors cannot park in the tennis club car park.

 

RESOLVED

 

That planning application DC/18/0584 be granted subject to the conditions as reported, to include an amendment to Condition 3 (Construction Method Statement) to also require the submission of details of the access to the site for construction vehicles and the type of vehicles.

Supporting documents: