Knowle relocation project: District Council planning application for Honiton HQ >>> 16/1292/MFUL approved >>> reports

The relocation project is making its way:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: District Council planning application for Honiton HQ >>> 16/1292/MFUL approved

With a report from the Herald:
District council HQ plans are approved - News - Midweek Herald

And notes from the meeting of the Development Management Committee:

RECOMMENDATION: 
Approval with conditions 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
The application is referred to Members of the Development Management Committee as the application takes place on land owned by East Devon District Council. 
The proposal seeks planning permission for creation of a three storey new office block, within Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, for use by East Devon District Council as their new headquarters. 
The proposed offices are acceptable as a matter of principle as the site is on an allocated employment area within the Local Plan which permits B1 use. The proposal would be in a sustainable location in terms of transport linkages and would be centrally placed within the district meaning that there are good transport links for the wider community. 
The simple form of the proposed office building would not conflict with the established surrounding character which is largely of functional industrial buildings. It is considered that the design while of reasonable quality and attractiveness is a missed opportunity to establish a truly high quality public building on this site. Design is however highly subjective and public finances limit what can be achieved in this case. Overall the design is considered to be acceptable and the redevelopment of this currently unused vacant site would be a significant planning gain and provide a substantial economic benefit to the town. 
A sensitive landscaping plan would help to assimilate the development within this context and the scheme has demonstrated suitable systems for foul and surface water. 
Therefore the proposal is recommended for approval, subject to conditions. 

011116-combined-dmc-agenda-compressed.pdf

The published plans are available here:
011116-dmc-plans-and-presentations-pm-session.pdf
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