To the Chair and Members of the Planning

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TO THE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING

AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

12 MAY 2006

AGENDA ITEM NO: 5

SUBJECT: 1 NO. 3 STOREY BLOCK CONTAINING 24 NO. FLATS

FORMER PLUMB CENTRE, ROMAN ROAD, LINTHORPE, MIDDLESBROUGH.

1.0PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1 To inform Members of revised elevational drawings received in respect of the above planning approval, and of the situation regarding the possible removal of 6 no. Poplar trees from the site.

2.0RECOMMENDATION

2.1Members are recommended to give approval to the revised elevations for the proposed development at the Plumb Centre and to the removal of 6 no. Poplar trees from the site and in so doing discharge the conditions attached to planning consent M/FP/2242/05/P. (No 7 – tree survey and No 8 – revised elevations)

3.0FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

3.1There are none arising from this report.

4.0BACKGROUND

4.1At your meeting of 27th January 2006, Members gave approval to planning application no M/FP/2242/05/P for 1no 3 storey block containing 24no flats at the former Plumb Centre, Roman Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough.

4.2Members requested that planning conditions which were attached requiring a scheme for the design of the buildings (Condition No 8 ) and a full tree survey (Condition No 7) of the site indicating which trees are to be removed and which retained, should be referred back to them for a decision.

4.3Revised elevational drawings have now been received from the Architect and these will be displayed at your meeting. Additional detailing has been added to the elevations including blockwork to the lower level and rendering and decorative half timbering to the upper level, addition of quoins and stone effect window surrounds, replacement of flat-roofed dormers with gable dormers, addition of chimneys, addition of balconies, addition of single pitch roof over entrances, and additional windows, including windows to previously blank gables. The revisions to the detailing/elevations of the building are comprehensive and add significantly to its attractiveness. It is considered that the elevations are now acceptable and should be approved.

4.4With regard to the 6 no. Poplar trees on the site, the applicant has submitted a report prepared by a Consultant Arboriculturist, which recommends that all 6 of the trees should be removed. It is stated that the trees are considered mature to over mature, with a limited life span in the region of 20 years. No evidence of major disease was observed, but dead wood and weakness in specific limbs would be indicated. The trees have inadequate space available and proposed house foundations would result in root loss that could de-stabilise the trees. A greater advantage to the area could be achieved by introducing new trees upon the boundary to provide a longer term visual amenity.

4.5The Council’s own Arboriculturist has examined the trees and the consultant’s report. Comment is made that the trees are situated in a narrow strip behind the building adjacent to the back lane at Rockliffe Road. The ground level around the trees has not altered, although a retaining wall was previously built close to the trees for the building, the construction of which probably damaged the routing zones.

There is no evidence of fungal decay in the stems, buttresses, or visible roots, although two of the trees exhibited dampened areas that may indicate the formation of internal cavities with anaerobic conditions. The trees are mature and have been poorly pruned previously, although the present branch and canopies spread indicates generally good health. Demolition of the building will cause disruption to the retaining wall and rooting zone, having the potential to destabilise the trees and jeopardising their structural integrity. Whilst in principle it is possible to retain a couple of the trees on the grounds of good health and maturity, it is considered that the damage caused during the demolition and construction phases will outweigh any benefits that may be gained by keeping the trees. It is felt that the best way forward is to secure a suitable high quality landscaping scheme for the development that will benefit the site, and those neighbouring it.

4.6On balance, and given the Council’s Arboriculturist’s report, it is considered that the case for retaining the trees is not strong and that approval should be given to their removal, with a landscaping scheme being prepared for the development as required by existing conditions.

4.7Those neighbouring occupiers who had previously objected to the planning application have been notified of this report and any additional comments received will be reported verbally to your meeting.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL

5.1It is considered that this report will be of interest to Linthorpe Community Council.

5.0ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

6.1Covered in the body of the report.

6.0EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IMPLICATIONS

7.1There are none arising from this report.

Dave Chew

728059

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