19 November 2008

Maisonettes one step nearer!

HBC Planning Committee approved the aplications for the new build on Camp Close and for development of the Spa Baths site for housing at the planning meeting on Tuesday 18 November. The Partnership had made some last minute objections [link] based on the failure of the case officer to consider properly the requirements of government policy guidelines for historic buildings (PPG15). The Case Officer's report, which of course supports the application, can be read here. We had also written to the individual committee members [link].

Laura Jeary spoke for us at the meeting; the vote was split 8:6 with one councillor voting for the motion by mistake. We were very close to success but unfortunately not close enough. We regard the case officer's advice to the committee that the application complied with PPG15 as manifestly incorrect if not actually vexatious and if there are any means available to challenge the report we will follow them. We remain convinced that a consultation process to explore all avenues for the retention of the existing use or for compatible alternative uses is a pre-requisite for planning consent and that the planners are not entitled to 'deem' compliance with PPG15. An appeal to the local ombudsman is a possibility. We will also try to make sure that the application receives an informed review by the Secretary of State.

Meanwhile, we continue to work up schemes for the Spa site and for Kirkby Road. Initial contact has been made with private Spa owners and designers and first indications are that a modern spa facility is a viable business option - the building itself being a substantial draw

RSP/HBC discussions:

Discussions are in hand between HBC and the Ripon Spa Partnership. RSP has indicated its preferred scheme which is to redevelop a Spa/Pool scheme on the existing site. It is our intention to develop a business plan to this end. HBC have given us until 31 March 2009 to develop our plans. RSP have also indicated to HBC that they would not object to the development of the existing site by the local Primary Care Trust.

Notes of the first meeting with HBC on 9 Oct are here.

The second meeting was with the planners is on 14 November at which we were unable to convince them that they were not acting in accordance with the PPG15 guidelines.

The next meeting will be held when our prospectus document is ready to see the light of day and we are ready to discuss the detailed design.

There are links to HBC letters and other documents on the information page.