Issue - meetings

PERMISSION GRANTED SUBJECT TO A SECTION 106 LEGAL AGREEMENT.

Description of application – Demolition of existing building and erection of a part three, four and five storey building consisting of ground floor commercial retail and office/workshop floorspace (Class E), with 40 residential units (10 x one bed, 28 x two bed and 2 x three bed), together with ground level communal space, cycle parking, 2 x disabled off-street parking spaces at the rear (accessed via Vinson Close), communal gardens/landscaping and all associated ancillary development.

The Planning Officer gave a brief presentation and overview of the application.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from the applicant’s agent who gave the following responses to Member questions:-

• The starting point had been to provide affordable housing. However, on the basis of what was presented, the current scheme could not provide affordable housing.

• Issues of insultation would be addressed through Building Regulations and London Plan requirements.  The building would meet the required standards and would be built to the highest specification.

• Disabled parking would be provided at the rear of the development in Vincent Close.  Distances had been checked by Highways and were deemed to be DDA compliant.

• Flats for disabled residents would be across a range of levels with access via a lift.

• The rooms in the flats would meet both national space standards and GLA standards but would vary depending on the size of the individual units.

• If approved, the aim would be to start works in summer 2022 with a two year build programme.

The Chairman noted that comments in support of the application had been received from Ward Councillor and Committee Member Cllr William Huntington-Thresher and these had been circulated to the Committee. Ward Councillors Pauline Tunnicliffe and Kim Botting had also written to the Chairman expressing support for the application. The Chairman read out the comments from Cllr Tunnicliffe.

Councillor Terry welcomed the proposals, noting the increase in biodiversity and proposed that permission be granted.  The motion was seconded by the Chairman, Councillor Michael who noted that the building was well designed and provided good biodiversity. However, the lack of affordable housing was a drawback.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO A SECTION 106 LEGAL AGREEMENT as recommended and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report of the Assistant Director, Planning.