Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to planning application 24/2028/FUL Land At Billingham Town Centre, The Causeway, Billingham.

Planning permission was sought for the redevelopment of Billingham Town Centre.  The scheme was a hybrid scheme which consisted of a full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings/structures (west precinct, 35-39 Queensway, 64- 98 Queensway and Kingsway west car park), erection of new building (class E) at 35-39 Queensway, change of use of 1-9 town square to a public house (sui generis), creation of a new, surface level car park, and façade improvements to existing buildings and outline planning permission for the erection of a new building (class E) at 64-98 Queensway and Town Centre public realm/landscaping improvements

The principle of development was considered acceptable and it was not considered that the development would result in any significant conflict with the policies of the Local Plan and there were no technical reasons why the proposed scheme was unacceptable in planning terms. 

The consultees that had been notified and the comments that had been received were detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and the comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Offices report concluded that overall it was considered that there were material benefits arising from the proposed development and there were not any adverse impacts from the proposed development that would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies in the framework taken as a whole.

The scheme being considered in detail and the development as proposed was considered to be acceptable. For the reasons detailed in the report it was recommended that the application be Approved with Conditions.

Since the officers report Members were informed that paragraph 63 and 64 had been addressed therefore changing condition 10 regarding the surface water discharge rate as detailed below.

The Applicants Agent attended the meeting and was given the opportunity to make representation. Their comments could be summarised as follows:

- The Council had identified a need for investment within Billingham as identified in the Councils Masterplan. The Council had received funding and were working with the developer on the 1st phase of the development .

- The proposed redevelopment would have material benefits.

- Queensway would provide new modern floorspace, 1 of which was to accommodate the retailer BOYES.

- There were no negative impacts to the application and therefore the Committee were urged to approve the proposal as recommended in the officers’ report.

Members were given the opportunity to ask questions / make comments. These could be summarised as follows:

- The application was long awaited and welcomed.

- It was felt that there was a lack of details contained within the officers report such as car parking numbers, façade improvements etc.

- Assurances were sought in terms of pedestrian and disabled access during the redevelopment.

- Clarity was sought relating to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62