Councillors gave planning permission to alterations and additions to an eight storey town centre building due to be made into 175 flats.
Crawley Borough Council’s planning committee permitted the proposals with added conditions for Woodall Duckham House, The Boulevard, at a meeting on Tuesday (September 1).
Develop Killarney Comercio Internacional’s bid for a front ground floor infill extension for a new reception and lounge area; ground floor rear extension for an enlarged refuse store; roof extension incorporating a gym/dining area and roof terrace; external alterations to facades including new windows; and creation of cycle and water tank enclosures behind the building was referred to the Development Control Committee after residents raised concerns.
Residents objected to the plans over loss of privacy and sunlight, noise pollution from a proposed tank and substation, light pollution and pest control problems from an enlarged refuse area. Potential anti-social behaviour issues were also raised.
A council spokesman said it was: “Permitted with an additional condition about fencing to the north of the property and temporary informatives about hoarding to the north of the development and potential tree planting on the northern boundary as well.”
The development follows the ongoing conversion of The Boulevard’s former DSS building into flats.
Changes to planning laws mean developers do not need permission to convert offices into flats if they prove there are no flooding, contamination or transport issues.
Under the plans, 15 studio flats, 74 one-bedroom flats and 84 two-bedroom flats will be made.
The building has parking spaces for 161 cars but, in its transport statement to the council, the developer said 139 spaces would be “appropriate” and would enable future enhancements to the cycle parking and bin storage areas.
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