The Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways will present a report (Document “AM”) in respect of the refurbishment and extension of former cinema to create an entertainment and events venue with supporting ancillary spaces including bars, ballroom and cabaret bar/restaurant and three-storey extension, at the former Odeon cinema, Princes Way, Bradford – 18/05130/MAF

Recommended -

That the application be approved for the reason and subject to the conditions set out in the Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways’ technical report.

(John Eyles – 01274 434380)

The Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways presented a report (Document “AM”) in respect of the refurbishment and extension of former cinema to create an entertainment and events venue with supporting ancillary spaces including bars, ballroom and cabaret bar/restaurant and three-storey extension, at the former Odeon cinema, Princes Way, Bradford – 18/05130/MAF

The Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways began by explaining that item 86 and 87 would be discussed together as they both related to the same site.  He continued stating that the application proposed the refurbishment of the former Odeon building which included renovation, an extension to the rear and a new free standing building in order to create an events venue for approximately three thousand people.  Members noted that the property had been vacant for nearly twenty years and a number of measures had been undertaken in respect of repairs and weather proofing.  Street furniture, similar to those to the frontage of the Alhambra, would be fitted in order to protect the building and its footprint would remain the same.  The Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways reported that the work to the external part of the property would be limited to making repairs, except for the extension and there would be limited openings on it.  An access would be provided off Thornton Road for larger vehicles and there would be new boundary treatments along Thornton Road and Quebec Street.  Members were informed that the building was not listed but it was a key structure in the Conservation area.

With regard to the application for advertisement consent the Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways confirmed that the proposal requested the installation of two digital screens and poster panels.  The larger LED panel would be sited between the two towers of the building and front onto City Park.  It would contain commercial content and may screen live events.  The smaller LED panel would show static advertisements and the poster panels would be reused.

In relation to both applications, the Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways stated that they provided an opportunity to re-use a prominent building in the City Centre.  Members were informed that the objector had been contacted with regard to the amendments made to the disabled toilet facilities on the revised plans.  The applications supported the prospect of a key regeneration and provided benefits to the night time economy of Bradford City Centre and the surrounding areas.  He then recommended the renovation scheme for approval subject to an additional condition regarding the treatment to Quebec Street.  The application for advertisement consent was also recommended for approval.  It was acknowledged that the signage would be substantive, but it was believed that it could be accommodated due to the scale and size of the building.

In response to Members’ questions, the applicant clarified that:

·         Consideration could be given to altering the upstairs toilet into a changing facility, however, the height was an issue and it could prove difficult.  The option could still be considered, as the plan was to monitor the operation of the business and then contemplate installation.

·         The large screen would only show live relays in exceptional cases and this would not be part of the regular programme.  It would mainly be used to animate City Park and display commercial material and some clips.  There was no intention to stream live footage. 

·         The exits would be to the front and south side of the building, not at the back and there would not be any public access to the rear.

Resolved -

That the application be approved for the reason and subject to the conditions set out in the Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways’ technical report and subject to the following additional condition:

(i)            Prior to the occupation of the approved development details of the treatment to Quebec Street, along the south side of the Odeon building; the position of bollards and/or street furniture along Thornton Road/Godwin Street shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development to be carried out in accordance with the approved details and retained as such thereafter.

Reason: In order to provide safe and suitable pedestrian access arrangements in the vicinity of the proposed development site in accordance with Policy DS4 of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document.

ACTION:   Assistant Director - Planning, Transportation and Highways