Even though planning officers recommended the development should be approved, it was declined by Planning Committee members.
CTJ Housing Trust applied to demolish 1-2 Minden Place – Scope Furnishings – and build a five-storey retail and residential development of social housing in a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, and three new commercial, or retail units at ground level.
The Planning department report stated that the redevelopment of the existing site was an opportunity for new, much-needed, social housing in a highly sustainable town-centre location and would help regenerate the area.
Planning Committee members said they supported the strong work and excellent reputation of CTJ Housing Trust, but were concerned about the scale, impact and design of the building in such a central location, and in particular, the use of brick in the design of the new building. T
They were also concerned about the lack of parking for the site, which they thought was unrealistic for its future residents.
