Dandara given green light for 63 homes at Beaumont
Parts of the old German bakery on the site, which supplied food to the German Army and its labour force, and is a grade 4 listed building, will be saved as part of the new development.
But the Department of the Environment’s Historic Environment officer expressed concern about the demolition and reconstruction of some of the building.
The plans include the construction of 19 one-bedroom and 44 two-bedroom units with associated landscaping and underground parking. Dandara will also fund improvement to travel, transport and pedestrian safety in the area, as part of its Planning Obligations Agreement for the development. Work will also be carried out to improve the car park area.
The Planning Committee said that the proposal would result in a "comprehensive redevelopment of an unattractive commercial building, creating attractive residential units, and improving a public car park and access through the site and to the adjacent supermarket." They praised Dandara for "the amount of pre-application consultation work it had carried out with neighbours and other interested parties."
The planning officer had recommended the scheme for approval, describing the plans as a "unique opportunity to remove an unattractive building, improve a listed building, address access and transport issues and create a number of new residential units in a pleasant setting with access to a range of modes of transport."
The plans attracted 23 letters, some in support, others raising concerns about traffic, parking, scale and design and damage to the natural environment.
The Planning Department's report acknowledged the flats will be taller than other buildings in the area but said they won’t be overbearing. It added that the significant development won’t appear cramped because of nearby fields, parking and improved landscaping.