Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr R Kershaw.

Cllr H Blathwayt was present as a substitute for Cllr R Kershaw.

Due to the tight meeting schedule, the minutes of 26^th January will be presented for consideration at the next meeting.

It was noted that due to a busy meeting schedule the minutes of the Development Committee held 26^th January 2023 would be presented at next available meeting.

(a)     To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be   considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

(b)     To consider any objections received to applications which the Head of Planning was authorised to determine at a previous meeting.

None.

Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the following items on the agenda.  The Code of Conduct for Members requires that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.  Members are requested to refer to the attached guidance and flowchart.

None.

APPLICATIONS LA/22/2413 & PF/22/2332 WERE CONSIDERED TOGETHER BUT VOTED ON INDIVIDUALLY.

Planning Officers presentation

The PO introduced the Officers report and recommendations for approval both LA/22/2413 and PF/22/2332 and affirmed the sites location, its relationship in the wider context, floor plans, proposed and existing elevations, and photographs of the site.

The proposals to the Grade II listed building proposed to enclose the recess areas under the eaves on the east and west elevations, currently used for existing bench seating, and increasing the internal floor space to accommodate internal alterations which include the upgrading and increased provision of toilet facilities, the relocation of accessible toilets close to the auditorium, a larger store room close to the bar, and renovation of the existing café bar and ice cream shop.

Comments had been received from the Councils Conservation & Design Officers as well as the national advisory body, the theatres trust.

Overall, it was considered that the alterations represented a reasonable compromise between the conservation and adaptation of the asset to ensure the future viability of the theatre. With respect of amenity, policy EN5 of the NNDC Core Strategy requires that within areas designated as public realm proposals are expected to enhance the overall appearance and usability of an area. Officers considered that the proposed provision of toilets and other facilities are considered to have both public and operational benefits increasing the theatres usability and enhancing public amenity.

Whilst the proposals were considered to result in a modest amount of harm to the heritage asset, Officers concluded that this was heavily outweighed by the public benefits accruing from the proposals and ensuring the future vitality of the pier and theatre.

Assets & Property Programme Manager comments

The APPM explained that the proposed alterations internally to the existing public convenience provision would provide a much improved Ladies WC with the addition of two cubicles. Further, by relocating the accessible toilets to the right/eastern elevation, it aided in creating better accessibility into the theatre, as preciously attendees would have crossed the bar area. As a consequence of relocating the accessible WC, the internal dimensions had increased by 625m with the side being pushed out slightly. It was not considered that these changes would dramatically alter the appearance of the Pavilion Theatre.

The APPM advised that the external benches located under the eaves had been temporarily removed and would be returned once the works have been completed. It was anticipated, once returned, there would be a 400-500m overhang over the benches.

The proposals were considered by Officers to offer significant improvements to insulation levels, to improve the EPC rating of the Pier, new LED lighting, the introduction of some water saving systems in the new WC.

It was noted that the toilet area was last refurbished in 2002, and that there were significant issues with the flooring in both the ladies and gents toilets, therefore in conjunction with the major substructure works currently being undertaken on the pier, new steels have been installed underneath the floors, and new timber  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

To pass the following resolution, if necessary:-

 “That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”

None.