As we mentioned briefly last night, the application from Coral was passed last night.
This was the SIXTH application for a building on this precise site:
The first was in 2005, for 4 shops, 1 cafe/restaurant, 3 ‘community use’ units and 8 flats. This was part of Asda’s first application , which was refused by the district council.
The second was in 2005 , for 5 shops, 1 cafe, 3 ‘community use’ units and a nursery. This was part of Asda’s second application, which was refused by the district council, but passed by a governemnt inspector. However Asda never built this building….
The third was from Coral in 2008. , for a range of commercial shops and eating and drinking establishments and 19 flats. This was withdrawn by Coral due to the weight of public opinion against it.
The fourth was from Coral later in 2008, and was for 6 units with a wide range of uses (restricted to 2 takeaways). This was passed, but never built apparently because of the economic climate.
The fifth was from Coral in 2009, for 3 commercial units and 24 affordable flats, all built in a modern style. Ron and Chris felt the design was too ‘factory-like’ , was out of keeping with the rest of Rawreth Lane, and didn’t have enough amenity or garden space. This was refused by the District Council.
The latest application was for 3 commercial units and 23 affordable flats in a more traditional, attractive design that we thought fitted in much better with Rawreth Lane. They provided extra garden space by having roof gardens.
Ron and Chris had the chance to meet with Coral and a council officer soon after the application went in, to get a better understanding of the scheme and suggest some improvements. For example:
Under the planning rules, Chris and Ron couldn’t confer in advance of the meeting. But we came to similar conclusions:
Coral have said that they will build this scheme now it has been passed. HOWEVER, scheme number 5 (the ‘factory-style’ flats) goes before a planning inspector next Tuesday – it’s basically too late to cancel the appeal…..
Chris, Ron thank -you for your clarification to date on this application, however can you confirm if the already overburdened Rawreth drainage system was discussed and addresses accordingly before planning permisssion was granted to CORAL? If so what measures are being taken to prevent further flooding? This piece of land has been water logged all week and must contribute to the flooding problems suffered in the Rawreth vicinity.
TWR -I raised this at the meeting and pointed out that there was a lake there before Asda was built!
The answer I got was that the surface water will be fed into the surface water drainage system for the Asda building and car park….
Finally a sign has been erected on the ASDA site informing us that social housing (flats) are to be built… No mention of CORAL and also no mention on the three retail units….? Have the plans been changed?
Admin – is there any update on this please? Have the plans been changed at all? Thanks
TWR – I’ve asked the question and will let you know ASAP.