Andium Homes said that it was ‘delighted’ after the Planning Committee unanimously approved its proposals to demolish the Convent Court low-rise block and replaced it with a larger building.
The proposals, subject to planning appeal, will see the two-storey building, which includes 12 one-bedroom flats, be replaced with a four-storey block containing 18 one-bed and three two-bed rental units.
The ground floor of the building, which Andium hopes to build by 2021, is due to become a purpose-built new headquarters for Age Concern, which is currently based at Windsor House on the opposite side of the road.
The design statement says that it is ‘envisaged’ moving the charity’s facilities into the building will help ‘create integration within the community’.
The site is next to the 13-storey high-rise tower at Convent Court, which is currently being refurbished.
‘The building is proposed at a scale, mass and height that reflects the surrounding buildings on David Place and Val Plaisant,’ the design statement says.
‘Our four-storey building will have an array of recesses, colours, balconies and façîade treatments to enhance the visual quality of the development and to bridge the void on the street adjacent to the 13-storey high-rise building, thus improving the articulation and legibility of Val Plaisant.’
Under a planning obligation agreement, Andium will be required to build a new bus shelter at the front of the site.
Stephen Lilley, the head of capital projects at Andium, said that he was ‘really pleased’ with the Planning Committee’s decision.
‘This will help us deliver 21 much- needed affordable homes for our community,’ he said.
‘Age Concern’s building across the road is no longer fit-for-purpose and we will be building facilities for them on the ground floor.’
