Issue - meetings

REFUSED.

Description of Application: Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a mixed use development comprising residential units, ancillary residents' facilities (including co-working space) and commercial floor space (Use Class E) across two blocks, along with associated hard and soft landscaping, amenity spaces, cycle and refuse storage (Revised scheme incorporating a second stair into Block A and Block B, internal layout and elevational changes, and changes to the on street parking bays and footpath along Ringers Road and Ethelbert Road).

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 agent who gave the following responses to Members’ questions:

·  The development included 12 one-bed and 8 two-bed affordable (social rent) units, 6 one-bed and 7 two-bed affordable (shared ownership) units and 35 one-bed and 26 two-bed market units.  This was in line with the London Plan which advocated one- and two-bed units for town centre locations and the Local Plan which stated that the greatest need in Bromley was for one- and two-bed units.  The proportion of affordable units met the 35% target in the London Plan and provision would be made in the Section 106 agreement if this could not be delivered.

·  The daylight assessment for the proposed development was compliant with guidance and a recent modelling exercise establishing that that the open amenity would also meet the requirements for sunlight.  The units were orientated to minimise unacceptable visibility with a generous 15-metre separation between the blocks that was larger than that of some planning applications previously approved by the Committee.  A noise impact assessment had also established that ambient noise levels were acceptable with work also undertaken with a neighbouring church to ensure any issues with noise were identified. 

·  The wheelchair accessible social housing units were scattered across the south-facing elevation of the Ringers Road block which would give tenants a good aspect with abundant light.  Some housing associations had already been approached regarding social housing opportunities, but there was also scope for discussions with the Local Authority on placing its own social housing tenants.  The agent could not commit to sign a Section 106 agreement that would give the Local Authority nomination rights for the social housing units but this request would be taken back to the applicant.  A higher play space contribution had been agreed in principle and the amount of on-site play space had also increased slightly as a result of changes to the proposed units.

·  Significant work had been undertaken over the past year to ensure the development complied with new fire safety regulations, including revising the layout and adding a second access stairway.  The Health and Safety Executive had confirmed that the scheme was now compliant.  Changes had also been made to the internal layout in response to concerns raised by the London Fire Brigade with the Building Control service subsequently advising that any outstanding concerns would be dealt with by building regulations.  The London  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30