Agenda item

Description of application – Erection of a new College facility (Class D1), creation of a new access and cycle parking, 3 substations, servicing, new public realm, hard and soft landscaping and other works.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from the Executive Principal of London S.E. Colleges who emphasised that time was critical for the scheme to be delivered by 2021.  The airport location was fundamental to the scheme and following completion, the College would contribute to the shortage of skilled workforce that was designed to meet industry needs.

Councillors and officers were consulted throughout the planning process to produce a scheme of imaginative design and a much needed educational facility.

A Travel Plan had been agreed to.

In response to Member questions, the Executive Principal advised that:-

·  around 200 car parking spaces were currently provided for students at the Bromley Rookery Lane campus; the majority of students travelled by local transport;

·  the Lookout Café would need to organise its own parking provision and whilst occasional parking pressures may arise, the College and café should be able to co-locate comfortably;

·  students would be encouraged to make use of the shuttle bus to and from the College; this would be monitored and kept under review;

·  the provision of electrical charging points for cycles (including an increase in provision for cars) could be discussed as part of the Travel Plan;

·  no provision for motorcycle or scooter parking was currently in place;

·  a shuttle bus strategy would be agreed;

·  the College would provide full-time courses for 16-18 year olds however there was also provision for students to progress to degree level.  Apprentices would attend one evening/day per week;

·  the provision of short-term parking spaces could be reviewed if required.

Oral representations from Ward Member Councillor Julian Benington in support of the application were received at the meeting.  Councillor Benington considered the scheme to be a fantastic opportunity for both young adults living in and out of the Borough.

The Planning Development Control Manager summarised the report in relation to officer views.  Additional changes to the recommended conditions had been requested via correspondence received from the applicant’s agents.  In this regard, Members were asked to delegate those amendments to planning officers.

Committee Member and Ward Member Councillor Stevens fully supported the scheme as an opportunity for young people and adults in the Borough.  Only four responses in objection to the application had been received.  The staggered start and finish times of the College and students’ use of the shuttle bus should alleviate concerns regarding vehicles and parking. Councillor Stevens moved that the application be granted.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Brock.

Councillor Fawthrop referred to the letter received from the applicant’s agent requesting removal of condition 37 relating to contamination of land.  He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the site was deemed safe and requested that if conditions were delegated to officers for amendment, it should be with the exception of condition 37 which must remain as stated.

RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR COMPLETION OF A LEGAL AGREEMENT as recommended.

It was FURTHER RESOLVED that delegated authority be given to planning officers for the formulation and amendment of the recommended conditions with the exception of Condition 37 which must remain as stated.