Comments on Application 26/00502/FULL Demolition of existing buildings (Cowley House, Cowley Lodge and Cowley Cottage) and the construction of a new block of 13 no. flats with parking, cycle and bin stores.

An earlier application, which was approved, 22/00883/FULL, permitted a change of use of Cowley Lodge from a 9-room (15 person) HMO to four one-bedroom apartments and the subdivision of Cowley Cottage from a two-bedroom (3-person) residential unit to two one-bedroom apartments.

It is therefore quite evident that the existing buildings can be repurposed. Demolition of a perfectly good building, which adds to the neighbourhood environment and is sympathetic to this, should be avoided if at all possible. NPPF paras 161-164 regarding climate change support this assertion. Furthermore, new development in a flood plain is not generally permitted, irrespective of finished floor levels. A Sequential and Exception Test must prove that the development cannot be located in an area with a lower risk of flooding (Sequential Test). If this is not possible, the Exception Test must demonstrate that the development provides wider sustainability benefits that outweigh the risk and that it will be safe for its lifetime. This has not been demonstrated.

It would appear that the statutory biodiversity increase of 10% has not been achieved. The proposed off-site statutory credits are a last resort, and other measures should be implemented if at all possible.

For the above reasons, we object to this application.

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