Bond International Software (UK) Ltd

Courtlands extension approved

 
Mr Chris Sargent said: "This is one way in which we can retain this building, and a way of ensuring that it is used. It is no good letting just it stand there. This company has really restored Courtlands and done a very good job. It is exactly the kind of firm we want to attract to Worthing, and for it to be successful, it has got to expand.

Bond International Software Plc had applied for a two storey extension to the north elevation, with a single storey link to the existing building. Currently there are 112 employees on site, and the two storey extension will accommodate a further 46.

The design and parking layout has been renegotiated with officers, following an original submission, and the Worthing Society said the dimensions of the extension were an improvement on the original proposals. The building will be primarily of flint with brick quoins and dressings, with a slate roof, and slightly arched first floor windows. The links which will join the main building to the extension will use a mixture of glass, flint, and brick, with three full length arched windows on each side of the link.

Forty car spaces are to be laid out inside the entrance, surrounded by a high maze-like hedge. Residents had expressed concern about parking in adjacent streets, but officers said the new carpark would go a long way towards solving problems. Ten spaces were being lost through the extension, but the new parking area was providing seven more spaces than the company was required to do, and 15 bicycle racks were also being provided.

Only one small holly tree would be lost, and this would be replaced with a better specimen elsewhere. There had been concerns about the impact on The Gatehouse, but this was 16 metres away and blank windows were being built at first floor level to avoid overlooking.

The second application was much smaller, essentially a roof space with sash windows and was above a two-story extension. It would create premises for 12 workers.

Members were told that the company had spent £1.5 million on Courtlands, and had also offered to sign an agreement that it would not make another planning application to enlarge the footprint in the next ten years. But members did not take up the offer. Mr Sargent said there might be times when an outward, rather than an upward expansion might be more appropriate at the site in the future.

Mrs Ann Lynn said: "Courtlands was getting into such a bad state of decay when the health authority used it as headquarters. With our officers' help, the company has got together a very good plan that is sympathetic with the building. Courtlands is in very good hands." Mrs Lynn said there were fewer cars on-street now than there were when the health authority occupied the building.

 
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For further information contact: PR Manager Catherine Kelly at Bond International Software, Courtlands, Parklands Avenue, Goring-by-Sea - 01903 707070.
http://www.bondadapt.com/
email: ckelly@bond.co.uk