Issue - meetings

Description of application – Demolition of existing building and construction of a new building to create a part 3/part 4 storey block of 43 x 1 bedroom flats as specialist housing for the elderly, with associated parking, refuse store and landscaping (OUTLINE APPLICATION).

Oral representations from a local resident in objection to the application included the following points:-

·  Northolme Rise was a narrow road from the 1960s, constructed to serve 8 houses at the top.  The lower part was used by vehicles/pedestrians accessing Sherlies Avenue, particularly commuters and schoolchildren being dropped off or walking via an alleyway through to Orpington Station.

·  Ambulances were easily blocked by parked cars and refuse lorries reversed up the road. There was no pavement down the side of the proposed development and elderly residents from Lubbock House were regularly seen walking in the road.

·  The CGI impression of the proposal was not very accurate.  The plans showed the car park goes right-up to the south boundary and the large conifers and the trees to the west of the site were removed over a year ago. A more representative version showing the dominating effect on the surrounding properties and area had been provided to Members.

·  The proposed building extended much further down the site, resulting in a very bulky form.  There was no separation from the parking to the boundary, or parking to the building and elderly pedestrians were forced to walk through moving/parking vehicles contrary to LP Policy 4g.

·  The proposal represented a near 3-fold increase to 86 residents.  Much of the green space was unusable due to the slope of the site, the resulting accessible amenity space did not appear to satisfy Policy 4c considering 86 people, staff and visitors.  The internal communal space for a property designed for 86 elderly people was also very small.

·  The existing site only had a few parking spaces which were used by staff.  None of the elderly residents owned cars and visitors where directed to alternative parking (no longer available).  Increasing the number of residents 3-fold to 86 with deliveries/visitors etc. and 20+ parking spaces clearly represented a significant increase in vehicle movements and issues with the adjoining narrow roads.

·  The independent assessment found significant risk of side impact/shunts due to poor visibility.  Recent sight-line drawings confirmed the 43m clear visibility splay was still not met even after removing vegetation.  Nor did it appear to take into account that the entrance was to be changed to a 1:8 slope further limiting visibility.  This entrance was clearly not compatible with the significant change of use.

·  The proposal represented significant over-development of the site.  It failed many Local Plan Policies in respecting/enhancing an area, space around buildings and maintaining road safety. 

Oral representations from the applicant’s agent in support of the application included the following points:-

·  An application earlier in the year for a part three and part four storey block of 34 normal flats was refused by Members solely on the grounds of loss of specialist accommodation.  It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34