Agenda and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found at:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=348&MId=4458&Ver=4

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

Planning Reference Number – 161051

The documents associated with this application can be found at:-

https://publicaccess.aberdeencity.gov.uk/online-applications/advancedSearchResults.do?action=firstPage

Enter the above planning reference number and click ‘Search’.

Planning Officer – Andrew Miller

The Hearing was opened by the Vice Convener who extended a warm welcome to all present.  The Vice Convener also advised that the Convener Councillor Milne intimated his apologies for the hearing due to a Regional Transport Partnership’s meeting with Planning and Transport Ministers.

The Vice Convener made it clear that the purpose of the Hearing was not to determine the application but to allow the Committee to consider (1) officers’ objective views of the development; (2) details of the development presented by the developer and their agents; and (3) the views of those who submitted written representations and responded positively to the invitation to speak at the Hearing.   The Convener advised that a decision would not be taken until a future meeting of the Planning Development Management Committee.

The Vice Convener invited Mr Andrew Miller, Senior Planner, Aberdeen City Council, as the first speaker to address the Committee. Mr Miller described the application proposal, advised on the policy background and the main issues arising, and identified the nature of the concerns expressed by consultees and objectors. His presentation to the Committee was in the following terms:-

The application before members was for detailed planning permission for the demolition of Victoria Road Primary School and the erection of 56 residential units that would be split into the following:-

• 23 terraced 3 bedroom houses in the northern half of the site accessed from Abbey Road; and
• 33 flats in two 3-storey blocks on the southern half of the site accessed from Victoria Road.

The units would be finished in white dry dash render and grey slate effect roof tiles, and the flats would incorporate new granite into certain aspects of their elevations.  The distinct split in the site would involve a difference in levels, with the northern half being elevated above the southern half of the site by approximately 2.3 metres and both halves of the site would be connected by stairs and a ramp.

Car parking would be provided within the site (78 spaces) with 2 on street spaces provided for Car Club cars.  Cycle parking and bin stores would also be provided for the flats in the southern half of the site.

Mr Miller advised that within the site, there would be a loss of six trees though nine would remain and these would be subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Regarding the consultee comments, Mr Miller explained that 560 letters of representation had been received and they could be summarised as follows:-

• Loss of Granite Building/Built Heritage and insufficient re-use of granite in development contrary to policy D4 of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan;
• Design and siting out of character with Old Torry;
• Insufficient parking on site and subsequent overflow on to surrounding streets;
• Insufficient access for emergency vehicles such as fire engines;
• Loss of education resource with identified need for new primary school in Torry.

Mr Miller also explained that they were awaiting final comments from the Roads department and Scottish Water and the Flooding team  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.