Issue - meetings

REFUSED.

Description of Application:  Demolition of the existing buildings and redevelopment of the site for a new part 8/part 11 storey building comprising flexible commercial floorspace (Use Class E) at ground floor and residential units (Use Class C3) above, along with the associated amenity space, ancillary refuse and recycling storage, cycle parking and wheelchair parking.

The Planning Officer gave a brief presentation, providing an overview of the application and update on the report.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from the applicant.

In considering the application, the Chairman observed that while the proposed development would contribute to the Borough’s housing supply, its close proximity to the culverted River Ravensbourne was a significant concern.  The proposed development had also not provided the required 35% on-site affordable housing required for such developments in the Development Plan.  In response to a question from Councillor Shaun Slator, the Principal Planner explained that the Environment Agency, a statutory consultee on this application, had specified that a minimum 6-metres offset would be required between the culvert and any proposed development to allow access for essential maintenance, emergency works and repairs or replacement of the culvert, and that the application proposed a much smaller offset.  Councillor Chloe-Jane Smith further reported that while unable to attend the meeting, the Ward Councillors for Bromley Town had requested she make representations on their behalf stating their agreement with Officers’ recommendations to refuse the proposed development.

The Chairman moved that the planning application be refused as recommended.  The motion was seconded by the Vice-Chairman, put to the vote and CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED: That PERMISSION BE REFUSED as recommended, subject to any direction by the Mayor of London, for the reasons set out in the report of the Assistant Director: Planning.