A DECISION on one of the biggest planning applications in recent years in Romsey town centre has been deferred over a 'procedural matter'.
Churchill Retirement Living's scheme for the former Edwina Mountbatten House care home to be converted into 47 flats had been due for a decision on Tuesday, February 20.
However, Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee was cancelled, with chairman Cllr Mark Cooper saying the decision will be made on Tuesday, March 12.
Cllr Cooper said: “It was described as a procedural matter and the legal advice I received was that it would be better to defer the application. It’s due back at the southern planning committee on March 12. It’s important to make sure all the information provided to the committee is up to date before making a planning judgement on any planning application.”
The plan has been controversial among neighbours, with 12 objections and one supporting comment.
READ MORE: Romsey planning: Opposition to Churchill Retirement Living plans
The planning committees of Romsey Town Council and Romsey and District Society both submitted objections. However, the council's planning officers recommended it for permission.
In the officers' report, it said: “Overall, the proposal would provide homes within a settlement for older people and add to the diversity of housing stock in Romsey. The housing would therefore be a public benefit. In addition, the proposals result in a substantial financial contribution to affordable housing – albeit that would be provided off-site via financial contribution.
“The works are considered to have an acceptable relationship with the character of the surrounding site and any increased prominence over the previous development is considered to be outweighed by the benefits of the proposals. The proposal would, therefore, accord with both local and national planning policies.
“The location of the site means that is in a highly sustainable location and the proposal is acceptable in both principle, and detail. Subject to securing the required conditions and s106 obligations detailed, and in the recommendation, the proposed development is considered acceptable.”
Objector Marion Alcock, of Palmerston Street, said: “The new properties will vastly overshadow (in height) existing listed buildings in Broadwater Road/Palmerston Street.
“This is a conservation area, so the volume of suggested properties would not be in keeping. Given the constraints placed on our homes, I'm surprised this development is even given consideration.”
Steven Smith, of Palmerston Street, said: “The proposed building will dominate over the Conservation Area detracting from the historic buildings within the Conservation Area and would fail to respect the local character.
“I would urge the planning authorities to reject the current proposal and invite the developers to design a building with respect to the adjacent conservation area and listed buildings.”
For more information about the planning application, search 23/01700/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's online planning portal.
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