CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL

To: Councillors Baker, Blencowe, Dixon, Dryden, Harrison, Hipkin, Schofield, Slatter, R Smith, Wright

Reid (LD Alt )

All other members for information

Applicants/Agent[s] and Lead Petitioner[s] (enc DCF Guidelines)

Published & despatched: 11 June 2003

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FORUM

Date: 18 June 2003

Time: 10.00am

Place: Committee Room 1, The Guildhall

Contact: Liz Whitcher Ext: 7015

AGENDA

10:00am: DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FORUM: 18 June 2003

PLANNING APPLICATION NOS: C/03/00406/FP

SITE ADDRESS: Rear of 5/33 Montague Road, Sandy Lane

DESCRIPTION: the erection of 18 four or five bedroomed dwellings, following demolition of existing workshops

Applicant’s AGENT: FPD Savills

LEAD PETITIONER: Dr I Roth, Mr R Morgan

CASE OFFICER: Jennie Parsons Tel: 01223 457158

The petition is in the following terms in relation to the above planning application.

We the undersigned are concerned that any proposals to develop this site, including those currently lodged with the planning office, should be evaluated thoroughly, critically and openly, and in such a way as to ensure that key concerns such as the following are addressed:

1. harmonisation of the development with the distinctive style and character of houses in neighboring streets such as Montague Road and de Freville Avenue

2. preservation of the exceptional natural and environmental assets of the area surrounding the proposed site including mature and in some cases rare trees, and a rich variety of wildlife.

3. strict control of the massing (bulk and volume), orientation (aspect and outlook), density (number of dwellings) and height of housing within the proposed development

4. the provision of private gardens and public open spaces within the site, so as to respect the quality of the built environment of this established area

5. appropriate requirements for upgrading of the vehicular access, and for the traffic circulation within the site, as well as the provision of adequate parking spaces for residents of, and visitors to, the new dwellings.

The Sandy Lane site offers a unique opportunity for development within a well-established and much sought after area of the City of Cambridge. We are very concerned that the true potential of this site should be realised. It requires a development which reflects the character and enhances the quality of the area, is sustainable and a source of pride to the city.

To ensure that all with an interest in these and other conditions of the development of the site are fully informed and consulted we hereby request the setting up of a Development Control Forum.

11.30am: PLANNING APPLICATION NOS: C/03/0379/OP

SITE ADDRESS: George Nutall Close, Woodhead Drive

DESCRIPTION: Outline application for residential development

Applicant: University of Cambridge

Applicant’s AGENT: Bidwells Property Consultants

LEAD PETITIONER: Mr Salman S Tahir

CASE OFFICER: Godwin Eweka Tel: 01223 457164

The petition is in the following terms in relation to the above planning application.

The area around Nuttall Close has been considerably developed and we feel that any further development would lead to over crowding of the area, which in turn has ramifications for traffic, health and safety and the natural beauty of the area.

The land in question has been left unattended and on the whole abandoned by its owners for a considerable number of years. What they are proposing to do is a radical change in the land use that we feel has detrimental consequences for the environment and the community.

As well as the hedge rows possibly being classed as ‘ancient’, there are a number of trees that have stood for a number of years. These add to the natural appeal of the area. But more serious than the natural appeal is the natural habitat provided to local wildlife – foxes, bats, owls, grey squirrels, hedgehogs, field mice and the numerous species of birds, not to mention the flora and fauna. Essentially this is a natural wildlife reserve hat has evolved over a great many years and it would be a huge loss to the entire community to see it destroyed.

We feel the best way to use the land is to leave the natural wildlife reserve that has developed over the many years it has been there and to create a common leisure area next to it so that every one in the community can enjoy what is left of nature’s beauty in an otherwise concrete jungle.

We are also very concerned to learn that we are not actually be safe from the dangers of anthrax as we were led to believe. Although the university has claimed that it has conducted extensive research, there has been no sign of activity on the site in question for a number of years.’

1.00 pm: Lunch Break (Committee members, officers)

1.30pm: PLANNING APPLICATION NOS: C/03/0446/FP

SITE ADDRESS: Cherry Hinton Court/150 Cherry Hinton Road

DESCRIPTION: Replace existing garages and store with single storey unit comprising 6 Student bedrooms (en suite) at ground floor and common room/kitchen dining room at first floor in loft

Applicant: Cherry Hinton Court Property Management Ltd

Applicant’s AGENT: Geoffrey Scott Architects

LEAD PETITIONER(S): John Parry

CASE OFFICER: Justin Bainton Tel: 01223 457157

The petition is in the following terms in relation to the above planning application:

We, the undersigned object to the proposed redevelopment of the garages behind Cherry Hinton Court, to provide 6 student bedrooms with first floor communal rooms (P/C/03/0446/FP).

A similar proposal has already been turned down on the grounds of providing poor amenities. We are concerned that the new proposal is liable to create a great deal of noise and have an adverse effect on both Neighbouring homes and community facilities (Quaker and URC Church Meeting Rooms).

A letter in support of the petition is attached

Information for Petitioners’ and Applicants’ Representatives

The aims of the Forum are to allow early discussion of the planning issues and to explore the scope for agreement and compromise between all sides.

Up to three representatives of the petitioners and up to three representatives of the applicants may attend and speak for a total period not exceeding 20 minutes.

The applicants’ presentation is heard first and applicants are asked to start their presentation with a brief description of the application proposals.

For further information on the conduct of the Forum or the petition process, please see the Development Control Guidelines, a copy of this is available on the Council’s website or contact the Council’s Committee Section (01223) 457012.

Information for the Public

You are welcome to attend this meeting as an observer. Please note that only the three representatives nominated by the applicant (or the applicant’s agent) and the lead petitioner may speak at the meeting.

In the event of the fire alarm sounding (which is a continuous ringing sound), you should pick up your possessions and leave the building by the route you came in. Once clear of the building, you should assemble on the pavement opposite the main entrance to the Guildhall and await further instructions. If your escape route or the assembly area is unsafe, you will be directed to safe areas by a member of Cambridge City Council staff.

Dates of Meetings in 2003
Planning Committee	Development Control Forum	Planning Committee	Development Control Forum
January 22 February 19 March19 April 16 May 14 June 11	January 29 February 26 March 26 April 23 May 21 June 18	July 9 August 6 September 3 October 1 November 5 December 3	July 16 August 13 September 10 October 8 November 12 December 10
Membership of the Planning Committee
Councillors Baker, Blencowe, Dixon, Dryden, Harrison, Hipkin, Schofield, Slatter, R Smith, Wright Reid (LD Alternate ) Chair Councillor Baker (LD) Vice Chair Councillor Slatter(LD) Labour Spokesperson Councillor Blencowe (L)

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