Agenda item

Description of application – Construction of 13 units to be used for Use Classes B1(c), B2 and B8 together with access from Edgington Way, Sidcup and creation of access from the Fitzroy Business Park, car parking and associated works.

Oral representations from the applicant’s agent in support of the application included the following points:-

·  This high quality scheme was structured in a way that no planning conditions would delay the commencement of the development.

·  The scheme would not become a through run for traffic as the dual access routes were not connected.

·  Pre-application consultation had taken place with various key organisations to resolve immediate issues with design and development.

·  Further consultation was undertaken with Natural England, Kent Wildlife Trust and Ruxley Nature Reserve Group.

·  All feedback provided was considered.

·  The provision of 156 car parking spaces included electric vehicle car charging spaces, disabled bays and cycle parking.  The parking provision was higher than the recommended London Plan standards.

·  All parking would be on site leaving the Sandy Lane area clear for passing traffic.

·  The scheme would improve the Borough’s industrial offer.

In response to a question raised by Councillor Fawthrop, the agent confirmed that in accordance with the London Plan, the scheme currently proposed 20% active and 20% passive electric vehicle charging points. Consideration could be given for 20% active and 80% passive to be provided.

The Development Management Area Team Leader summarised the report in a brief presentation to the Committee which included the following:

·  Site photographs and a site plan had been circulated to Members.

·  Updated modelling data was provided on 19 December 2019 and 27 January 2020.  These had been reviewed by TfL, Bexley Highways Officers and Bromley Highways Officers and no objections were raised.

·  Further to discussions with TfL and Bexley Highways Officers, there was no longer a requirement in the application for the “reviewing and revising of road markings for the A223 Edgington Way/Tesco access” as set out in the heads of terms.

·  Further objections received from a local business owner were circulated to Members.

·  The proposed site was 2.17 ha and was located south of the Tesco Sidcup Superstore.

·  Planning permission was sought for the construction of 13 good quality B1(c), B2 and B8 units created in the form of 6 blocks with a total gross external area (GEA) of 11,190m2.  Unit sizes varied from 1,803m2 to 355m2. The units would consist of a steel portal frame construction with a height of approximately 10m.

·  The proposed development provided 156 on-site car parking spaces including 13 disabled spaces, 32 spaces with active electric vehicle charging points (20% of the total) and a further 32 spaces with a passive provision for future electrification.

·  A new access from Edgington Way and Fitzroy Business Park was proposed.

·  The site was located within the Cray Business Corridor (Foots Cray), which was recognised as a Strategic Industrial Location (SIL) and as such the principle of development was policy compliant and appropriate in this designated employment area.

·  In addition, the proposal would bring a long-standing, underutilised site back into an industrial/commercial use in accordance with NNPF, London Plan and local policy aspirations.

·  It was considered that no unacceptable impact would arise to neighbouring occupiers or highways.

·  The application was recommended for permission, subject to conditions and the prior completion of a S106 legal agreement.

In opening the debate, Committee Member and Ward Member Councillor Bear welcomed the provision of the proposed units.  However, she reported there were extensive objections to the access route via the Fitzroy Business Park. While Sandy Lane could deal with additional traffic, on-street parking was fully used by all the existing units and therefore became a single track road during peak hours.  Traffic also built up at the junction to Ruxley Corner roundabout with delivery vehicles and customers wishing to turn into the Selco site. Councillor Bear requested that further work be carried out by the Highways Team to assess Sandy Lane’s capacity to deal with additional traffic.

Fitzroy Business Park was a private industrial estate which closed overnight with traffic at a minimum.  However, should the proposal be permitted, it would be in constant use throughout the day and would need to remain open 24 hours a day to allow vehicular access to the proposed new units and this raised security issues. Councillor Bear requested sight of confirmation from the freeholders of Fitzroy Business Park that they agree to the proposals.

Councillor Bear moved that the application be deferred. Councillor Page seconded the motion.

Having considered the report, objections and representations, Members RESOLVED that the application be DEFERRED without prejudice to any future consideration for the following reasons:-

1  For further work to be carried out by the Highways Team to assess Sandy Lane’s capacity to deal with additional traffic.

2  To seek confirmation from the freeholders of Fitzroy Business Park that they agree to the proposals; and

3  To seek the provision of 20% active and 80% passive electric vehicle charging points.