Public reports pack PDF 9 MB - Gravesham Borough Council

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residents lounges it is likely that they will be furnished with televisions and audio
systems to provide entertainment to the residents, which would have obvious potential
to cause disturbance from amplified sound and people noise to nearby residents,
particularly when the large windows are open. This concern is exacerbated by the
potential for this premises to accommodate a greater number of residents over and
above the proposed hotel use. The above referred condition controlling noise emitted
from the premises relates to fixed plant and machinery noise.
This matter has been raised with the Borough Council’s Senior Environmental Health
Officer and it was commented that whilst there may exist the potential for some
disturbance through this arrangement, the concern is not so obvious that the use
should be resisted on this ground. It was acknowledged though that should this matter
become a problem and give rise to complaints by neighbouring residents that it can be
controlled by statutory nuisance legislation.
Due to the omission in this application of a residents lounge with provisions for food
and drink, it would not be necessary to impose a planning condition restricting the use
of the hotel facilities to residents only. This matter was addressed under the previous
hotel consent as it was providing communal ground floor eating/drinking facilities which
would have had the potential to attract its own customers which may have created
additional movements and disturbance as people come and go.
Secondly, there is the impact that this proposal will have on the adjoining properties in
respect of overlooking. Whilst it is appreciated that this situation currently exists with
the buildings permitted use as offices, such occupation is principally during the working
day rather than in the evenings and weekends. The introduction of a hotel will
generally alter this situation with the majority of visitors occupying the rooms in the
evenings and at weekends.
This matter was addressed in the previous consent for a hotel by the imposition of a
planning condition that required the installation of external louvre style blinds over
each window opening before the use is first commenced. It is therefore considered that
an identical approach would be reasonable under this application if Members are
minded to approve the application.
Highways Matters
Comments made by Kent Highways Services suitably cover the highways assessment
of this scheme. It is important to note the comment regarding the deletion of the
previously proposed coach lay by on the Windmill Street frontage. The general
comment in this respect is that, due to the limited demand for such a facility, it is not
essential and may in fact create more problems in terms of highway safety and also
unauthorised use by general vehicles, which would be difficult to control.
Secondly, the comment regarding re-aligning parking spaces 14 and 15 can be
required through condition if Members are minded to approve this application.
The proposal also requires the loss of the existing lay by in Zion Place. Whilst there is
no objection to the loss of this facility due to the level of on site provision for access
and turning, on balance the preference would be to retain this facility. It is recognised
by highway officers that the likelihood for this facility to generate significant coach
movements is limited, but this existing smaller lay by could provide a useful dropping
off area for cars and/or taxis. It has been confirmed by the applicant that should
Members prefer to see this facility retained then the scheme can be amended to
REPORT NO 7 PAGE 13