Planning Applications - Runnymede Borough Council

5.5 In respect of concerns raised by the occupiers of Flaxman House, it is
considered that their comments relating to potential damage to their
property during demolition and construction is not a planning issue. If any
problems occur during the proposed works, this will be a civil issue between
both properties. Whilst the points raised by The Chertsey Society are well
made, this Authority could not reasonably refuse permission on those
grounds for an office development given the existing use of the site. In
addition the site does not fall within an Area of High Archaeological
Importance and therefore the Authority cannot insist upon the imposition of
an archaeological watching brief.
5.6 Whilst the external design of the building is not being considered at this
outline stage, the applicant has provided street scene elevations to give an
impression of the potential scale of the building proposed, and the
bicycle/refuse store. This street scene elevation suggests that a building of
the floor area proposed would be in character with existing commercial
properties along Gogmore Lane, in terms of its height and scale. The street
scene elevations suggest that the height of the building would be increased
by some 0.6 metres.
5.7 Following an on site level survey, the applicant has demonstrated that
existing levels beneath the proposed building are above the 1 in 100 flood
plain level of the River Thames. Therefore there is no requirement for
underfloor voids beneath the building.
5.8 The County Highway Authority raise no objection to the closure of one of the
existing accesses, and believe the level of parking provision to be in line
with their standards. Whilst the proposed redevelopment will result in an
increase in staff numbers from that existing, it is considered that a refusal
could not be sustained as it fully complies with adopted parking standards.
5.9 Consideration has been given to the requirements of Article 8 and Article 1
of the First Protocol of the European Convention on Human Rights. It is not
considered that the granting of permission would result in a violation of any
objectors' rights under the Convention.
Officers’ Recommendation
Subject to receipt and consideration of the views of the Environment
Agency, THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES BE AUTHORISED
TO GRANT permission following consultation where appropriate with the
Chairman or in his absence the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, subject to
the following conditions:
1. Approval of the details of the design, external appearance of the
buildings and hard and soft landscaping of the site (hereinafter called
“the reserved matters”) shall be obtained from the planning authority
in writing before any development is commenced, and shall be
carried out as approved.
Reason:
To comply with article 4 of the Town and Country
Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995.