Demolition of the existing Milton Road multi-storey car park and replacement with an at-grade car park, cycle parking, and landscaping improvements.

Earlier on in the meeting as reported under Minute 43 above, Councillors Alexander, Fowler (Chairman) and Smith had each declared for the public record that they had an interest. They therefore withdrew from the meeting and took no part whilst the Committee deliberated and made its decision on this application. The Chair was thereupon occupied by the Vice-Chairman (Councillor White).

The Committee heard that this application was before the Planning Committee on the basis that the applicant was Tendring District Council.

It was reported that the proposal would result in the demolition of the existing multi-storey car park, to be replaced with a single storey car park providing for 23 spaces. In this instance, the regeneration of a large vacant site within the Dovercourt Town Centre was supported in principle. Further, the proposal was considered to result in a visual enhancement to the area and would also not harm any of the surrounding heritage assets.

Members were told that Officers considered that there would not be any significant harm to the amenities of neighbouring residents, and ECC Highways had raised no objections subject to conditions. The proposal resulted in the loss of some existing parking provision, but it was noted that the site was currently vacant and there had been a significant increase in provision at Orwell Road car park directly adjacent; the combination of those factors ensured that there would be sufficient provision overall.

Officers therefore told Members that taking all of the above into consideration, the application was considered to comply with local and national planning policies and accordingly was recommended by them for approval.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Senior Planning Officer (MP) in respect of the application.

There were no updates circulated to Members on this item.

Michael Carran, the applicant’s representative, spoke in support of the application.