Agenda item

Description of application – Demolition of existing buildings and erection of two 4-5 storey blocks and one 5-6 storey block of flats comprising 252 residential units (84 x 1 bed, 120 x 2 bed and 48 x 3 bed including affordable housing provision), basement car parking, landscaped podium deck, open space, play space, associated access roads, private and communal landscaping, cycle parking, recycling and refuse stores and associated works including widening of existing vehicular access onto William Booth Road.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from Mr Mark Jackson, Head of Planning at Fairview Homes. 

Mr Jackson reported that the applicant had worked closely with the GLA and planning officers throughout the planning process.  A public exhibition and meetings with local residents had also taken place.  The number of affordable rent units to be provided met with Bromley’s affordable housing policy requirements and the S106 contribution demonstrated the applicant’s positive commitment to the development and the local community.  Whilst parking provision had achieved the right balance, it was possible for 100% parking to be achieved.  Local residents supported the scheme which would make a significant contribution to the Borough.  If planning permission was granted, construction work would begin almost immediately.

In response to Member questions, Mr Jackson stated that additional parking spaces could not be provided without the loss of amenity space.  It was possible that some flats would not be allocated parking spaces.

The Lighting Calculations Report included a lighting layout to provide the minimum level of light required on the site and a Secure by Design condition would be applied to ensure the correct level of lighting was used to minimise the risk of crime and promote public safety.  As the development was located on MOL, a Dark Sky system would be installed to limit the extent of lighting beyond the site.

The two proposed car pool spaces would be located at the most convenient point just within the scheme.  The Section 106 Agreement included free use of the pool for the first three years.

Comments from the Designing Out Crime Officer included the statement: “Unfortunately the security measures proposed are not enough for Secured by Design purposes….”.  Mr Jackson confirmed that meetings would take place with officers in regard to this and any issues raised would be addressed by condition should the application be granted permission.

In summing up, the Chairman considered this development would make a significant difference to the Council’s housing supply target which should be taken as a material consideration.  This was an appropriate development for the site and would not be out-of-character with the surrounding area.  Traffic concerns relating to access had been resolved by widening of the road.  The affordable housing criteria had been met.  He suggested the number of parking spaces could be increased by six with little impact on amenity space leaving just six properties which could be marketed without allocated parking.

The Chairman moved that permission be granted with the proviso that parking provision be increased by six spaces (acknowledging that there would be a slight impact on the amenity area) and the remaining properties be marketed without parking facilities.  Councillor Fawthrop seconded the motion.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED (SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR COMPLETION OF A SECTION 106 AGREEMENT) AND ANY DIRECTION BY THE MAYOR OF LONDON as recommended, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report of the Chief Planner.  The following condition was also added:-

34  Before any work is commenced, details of parking spaces and/or garages and sufficient turning space shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and such provision shall be completed before the commencement of the use of the land or building hereby permitted and shall thereafter be kept available for such use.  Notwithstanding the approved plans, the submitted details shall include a total of 252 car parking spaces and details of how these will be allocated to each property.  No development whether permitted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order) 2015 (or any Order amending, revoking and re-enacting this Order) or not, shall be carried out on the land or garages indicated or in such a position as to preclude vehicular access to the said land or garages.

Reason: In order to comply with Policy T3 of the Unitary Development Plan and to avoid development without adequate parking or garage provision, which is likely to lead to parking inconvenient to other road users and would be detrimental to amenities and prejudicial to road safety.