Move to reconsider rejected 'prison block' flats plan sparks concerns as Cheltenham council stands to benefit from approval
There are concerns over a council’s intention to revisit a decision to reject plans for two "prisonlike" blocks of flats in Cheltenham which they could benefit from financially. In March, Cheltenham Borough Council rejected plans to demolish the former J R Laboratories in Lower High Street to make way for apartments with no parking.
However, the planning committee was told by officers this month (April) that the decision would need to be revisited in May. They say while councillors voted not to approve the proposals by six to five - no formal resolution was made to refuse planning permission.
This is despite the fact the committee agreed on reasons for refusal. Councillor David Willingham (LD, St Peter's), who represents the area and has spoken out against the plans, is concerned the council would be a financial beneficiary as if permission is granted a parcel of land they own can be sold to the developer.
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“Everyone saw the committee vote six to five to refuse and left believing it was rejected over loss of amenity, road safety and health and environmental concerns, as reported in the media,” he said. “The unilateral overturning of this decision by the council has not been communicated to objectors and appears highly irregular.
“The proposal lacked affordable housing, was visually unappealing, and could be allowed 36 parking permits. This would cause parking chaos, yet the taxpayer, rather than the applicant, was expected to pay for parking order changes to mitigate this.
“I urge the council to stand by the original democratic committee decision of refusal and to robustly defend any planning appeal.”
Michael Ronan, the council solicitor, told the planning meeting on April 18 he was asked to read out a statement. He said the minutes record that the vote on the officer’s recommendation to permit was not carried.
He said there were discussions in respect of reasons for refusal and these were acknowledged and there was no noted dissent.
“However, there was no final resolution in respect of that item recorded," he added. "Legal advice since that meeting is that it cannot be said the final resolution on the application by the council clearly providing in its decision and reasons occurred at the planning committee meeting in March.”
He said this needed to be reflected in the minutes and there is a need to return the proposals to the planning committee in May. “It will be on the agenda for a full reconsideration at the planning committee in May.”
The Borough Council has been approached for comment. Cllr Willingham is a candidate in the upcoming elections.
The full list of candidates standing in the St Peter's ward is below. The full list of Cheltenham Borough Council candidates can be found here.
St Peter's candidates
Atherstone, Victoria May - Liberal Democrats
Ellis, Glyn - Green Party
Farmer, Mike - Labour Party
Forrest, Jerry - Conservative Party
Hazzan, Edward Wadih - Conservative Party
Hodges, Daniel Ethan - Green Party
Willingham, David John - Liberal Democrats