Agenda item

Erection of 4 storey flat block (containing 7 flats - 2 x one bedroomed and 5 x two-bedroomed units) with under-croft parking.

Councillor Baker had earlier declared that he had been lobbied on Planning Application 17/01845/FUL, however, he was not pre-determined.

It was reported that this application had been referred to the Committee because Jaywick was one of the most deprived areas in the country with many of the existing properties originally built as holiday homes. Most properties were substandard by modern day expectations and were within the high risk flood zone.

Members were aware that the regeneration of Jaywick was one of the Council’s top long-term objectives and that the Council had been leading a multi-agency project to explore and deliver improvements in the area to better the quality of life for residents and secure a long-term sustainable future for the community. Part of the strategy for regenerating Jaywick was to actively encourage the redevelopment of the poorest and most vulnerable properties in the area and to introduce a new benchmark for building design that addressed flood risk concerns, improved the quality of accommodation, maximised the enjoyment of Jaywick’s assets and inspired property owners and developers to redevelop and remodel other parts of the area.

It was reported that, unfortunately, the scale of development that had been proposed within this application was considered excessive, upsetting the delicate balance of regeneration of the area versus existing residents’ amenity.

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 refusal.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Team Leader (AN) in respect of the application.

An update sheet was circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of:

(1) An Ecological Assessment provided by the applicant;

(2) Removal of reason for refusal number 3;

(3) Aerial photographs submitted by the applicant; and

(4) An error in the report in relation to the height of the second storey.

Councillor Raby, a local Ward Member, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor P Honeywood, the Council’s Housing Portfolio Holder, spoke in favour of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Everett, seconded by Councillor Turner and RESOLVED that, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation of refusal, the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant planning permission for the development because the improvement the development could contribute to the regeneration of Jaywick Sands, supported by the emerging Local Plan, outweighs the concerns regarding overlooking and the development being overbearing in this instance and therefore permission should be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.    3 year time limit

2.    Approved plans

3.    Recommendations of habitat survey

4.    Construction Method Statement

5.    Provision of cycle and car parking and ebike charging as shown prior to occupation and retained thereafter

6.    No unbound materials

7.    Residential travel packs

8.    Provision of bin stores as shown prior to occupation and retained thereafter

9.    Finished first floor levels to be set no lower than 5.605 metres above Ordnance Datum

10.  Development to be carried out in accordance with the submitted FRA and Flood Evacuation Plan (to remain a live document and updated as required)

11.  Approval of external materials

12.  Approval of privacy screens to both balconies

13.  Obscure glazing to living/dining/kitchens at first and second floor rear and side.