Agenda item

To determine the application.

Kimberley Crow presented the report to members.

Members received a written presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Alexandra Patrick, the agent, read by Member Services. Ms Patrick stated that she believes the recommendation for refusal on this site is based on a subjective “feeling” rather than a consistent application of policy. She expressed the opinion that the officer’s verdict is that the space is “oppressive”, but quality of life is not defined by a tape measure alone, it is defined by light, layout and functionality.

Ms Patrick expressed the view that the proposal has designed a purposeful, high-quality home intended for a single occupant or a young professional, a demographic that is currently underserved in Wisbech. She disagrees with the “oppressive” label due to the Council’s recent decision at the former wool shop in Wisbech with the Council approving a flat with a nearly identical floor area with the space deemed to provide a high level of amenity.

Ms Patrick referred also to the Hare and Hounds, with the committee recognising that site specific context and clever design often outweigh strict square footage requirements. She added that a shop to residential conversion has also been approved next door, so it is already established that this row is suitable for homes.

Ms Patrick expressed the view that this proposal completes the transition of this building and is consistent with the character of the street and consistent with precedents that have already been set.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Benney stated that he visited the site, retail is disappearing from people’s way of life and questioned what retail could go into the building as a shop, with there being empty shops all throughout Wisbech and turning the ones on the periphery into accommodation, in his view, makes perfect sense. He added that it pushes the retail there is more into the centre of Wisbech, which he feels would help Wisbech. Councillor Benney acknowledged that it is a small property but made the point that there was a gentleman sleeping in a shop doorway when he visited the area and he is sure he would be grateful for this rather than sleeping in the open air. He made the point that there is a housing problem in Fenland and if this produces a home for somebody, it may not be a perfect home, but it is a stepping stone. Councillor Benney stated that whilst this proposal is not ideal, it is ideal for what is there and he will be supporting the application.

·       Councillor Connor stated that he called this into committee as he thought it would be of interest to committee and on Agenda Item No.12 he received some information from Dan Horn, a director at Fenland, saying there are 491 households on the waiting list at Fenland. He acknowledged the proposal is not ideal but feels it would be suitable for a single person and he will be supporting this application as it is an opportunity to convert an empty shop into accommodation.

·       Councillor Mrs French agreed with the comments of Councillors Benney and Connor, it is an interesting passageway, there are people sleeping rough in Wisbech and Hill Street is full of empty shops which should be brought back into use. She knows that Wisbech has received £20 million in funding and she would suggest that some of these shops are brought and refurbished, especially in Hill Street. Councillor Mrs French stated that she will be supporting this application.

·       Councillor Imafidon echoed the comments of the other councillors, he will be supporting this application, he knows the street very well and walking down the street and turning left or right into Hill Street there are empty shops everywhere and even the shops that appear to be open he never sees anyone in them. He feels if this application is not approved it is just going to be another empty building in town when it could easily have people living in it.

Proposed by Councillor Imafidon, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED against officer’s recommendation, with authority delegated to officers to apply conditions in consultation with the Chairman.

Members do not support the officer’s recommendation to refuse planning permission as they feel that residential accommodation in any form is needed in Wisbech.

(Councillor Imafidon registered, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that he is a member of Wisbech Town Council but takes no part in planning)