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V27-1085 : W8067/8 - 83-89 FAIR CLOSE, BECCLES

Application for construction of 14 elderly persons' residential units with associated car parking.

The report of the Director of Planning and Building Control outlined a proposal to redevelop the above derelict brownfield site for housing for the active elderly. The Parish Council recommended approval subject to additional parking spaces and a turning head, and the Highway Authority required a designated area for manoeuvring and parking to be provided and a turning head to highway specification at the entrance from Fair Close.

The Director felt that the scheme was generally appropriate and in accordance with Local Plan policy, although the awkward shape of the site and need to accommodate existing rights of way would demand a high standard of design. The scheme proposed 14 single- storey two-bedroom units with parking spaces for ten cars and a communal landscaped area.

The scheme met space standards, but the layout was unimaginative. The individual dwellings did not relate well together, and the communal space lacked any distinctive character. It was suggested that the scheme for 14 units was overly dense, and arranging the buildings around a central landscaped communal space would provide a more attractive grouping, although this may necessitate a reduction in the number of dwellings. The Director recommended refusal as the design was disappointing for a site adjacent to the Conservation Area and so close to the town centre.

Although members wished to see the area tidied up, they concurred with the views of the Director and added that the scheme appeared to give little consideration to disabled access, with narrow galley kitchens and little space between car parking spaces. However, they asked the Director to advise the applicant that they may be minded to approve a more imaginative and less crammed design.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to application W8067/8.


Volume 27 Minute 1085

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