Public reports pack PDF 9 MB - Gravesham Borough Council

Page 34
The most recent planning application relating to this site was submitted under
reference 20090015 which proposed the change of use of building from offices into a
60 room hotel with communal facilities on the ground floor; laying out 44 car parking
spaces and erection of covered cycle store. This application was effectively a stream
lined version of the planning approval granted under reference 20080087 that deleted
the proposed external works to the building and the surrounding land. This application
was subsequently refused consent on the ground of failing to enhance the character
and appearance of the Upper Windmill Street Conservation Area by reason of failing to
incorporate any enhancements to the building and associated land.
Prior to this an application for the change of use of the building to a 60 room hotel was
submitted under reference 20080087 which was conditionally approved on 30 May
2008.
Preceding this, in 2007 a full planning application was submitted for the conversion of
first to fifth floors of the building from offices to 40 one and two bedroom self contained
flats with Registry Office on ground floor involving five and six storey side extensions
and single storey front and side extension to provide enlarged Registrar's facilities and
refuse stores at ground floor level; laying out of 38 car parking spaces, cycle store and
amenity playground.
This application was withdrawn on 8 June 2007 due to various concerns with the
scheme.
However, a formal resubmission for a similar proposal under reference GR/08/173,
was received but was refused by the Regulatory Board on 27 August 2008. The
grounds for refusal of this application related to the scale and massing of the proposed
extensions and detrimental impact upon adjoining residents.
Aside from the above more relevant history, in 1998 permission was granted for
erection of a wall mounted fence and gates to the boundary, enclosure of basement
area and erection of a rubbish store. Also, in 1996, permission was granted for the
erection of an infill extension at ground floor level and alterations to the front elevations
to form an entrance foyer, control room and lobby.
The change of use to professional offices was approved in the 1960s.
3. Proposal
The application before Members is for the proposed change of use of Cygnet House
from offices to a 48 bedroom hotel. The level of internal accommodation proposed, in a
floor by floor basis, is as follows:
Ground Floor
Reception area and counter leading to two store rooms and a
disabled toilet; 3no. wheelchair accessible rooms served by
communal disabled wc and separate shower room; laundry room;
meeting room and small storage room.
1 st /2 nd /3 rd Floors 9no. rooms served by a communal shower room with 4no. cubicles,
male and female toilets and a communal lounge area; 2no. small
storage areas are provided.
REPORT NO 7 PAGE 2