Agenda item

Description of application – Stationing and temporary use of a modular building for educational purposes for a one-year period with associated access and parking.

The Planning Officer gave the following update:-

Comments received from the Greater London Authority raised no objections to the application.  The Council could, therefore, determine the application without the need to refer back to the Mayor of London.

Following receipt of an Energy Assessment, the application was deemed to be policy compliant.  A condition to ensure continuing compliance would be added should Members decide to grant permission.

The final paragraph under the heading ‘Trip Generation’ on page 24 of the report was amended to read:-

‘- 70 pupils vehicles trips and 20 staff vehicle trips are anticipated for a future higher capacity in 2020, if required and subject to planning permission.

A further 70 letters of support, similar to those already contained in the report had been received.

Representations in support of the application were received from Mr Matthew Blythin, DHA Planning.

Mr Blythin outlined the application as follows:-

·  The temporary structure would accommodate 360 pupils for a one year period whilst the school’s permanent building was under construction.

·  Vehicular access would be gained via Chislehurst Road and vehicles would exit via the existing access onto Bickley Road thereby limiting the impact of noise and disturbance.

·  There was adequate parking provision for staff.

·  A breakfast club would be available for pupils and after school clubs would take place until 15:20 with sports activities continuing later.

·  It was anticipated that the permanent school would be completed in December 2020.  Should the need arise to extend the current temporary accommodation, a further application for this would be submitted. 

In response to a Member question concerning the possibility of providing 100% electric vehicle charging points, Mr Blythin stated that this would need to be explored and if feasible, he assumed the applicant may be willing.

Committee Member and Ward Member Councillor Lymer spoke on behalf of Ward Members past and present.  A full copy of her representations can be viewed as Annex A to these Minutes. 

The Chairman acknowledged that the Planning Inspector had granted permission on appeal for the permanent school having concluded that the risk to pedestrian and driver safety was acceptable and that there would be limited impact on the road network.  However, in regard to this application, the Chairman could find no grounds for refusal – the building was compact and would not be situated on the playing field or in close proximity to local residents. She therefore moved that the application be granted.  Councillor Dykes formally seconded the motion.

Councillor Fawthrop moved that 100% electric vehicle charging points be provided.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Brock.  The vote fell at 6-7.

RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report of the Chief Planner with the addition of a further condition to read:-

24. The development shall be implemented and maintained thereafter in full accordance with the approved Energy Statement & LZC Report (12th April 2019), including measures to provide a reduction in expected carbon dioxide emissions of at least 35% above that required by the 2013 Building Regulations, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 

Reason: In order to seek to achieve compliance with the Mayor of London's Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Strategy and to comply with Policy 5.2 and 5.7 of the London Plan 2015 and Policy 124 of the Bromley Local Plan.