Agenda item

RESOLVED TO CONTEST APPEAL

Description of application - Demolition of the existing building at 25-27 Elmfield Road and the redevelopment of the site for a mixed-use development comprising 9 storeys plus 2 basement levels of residential (Class C3) and commercial floorspace (Class E) and associated car parking, cycle and waste storage.

The Development Management Team Leader – Major Developments advised that this case was for a non-determination of a planning application. Officers were recommending that it be contested on insufficient evidence relating to an energy ground. If Members were to contest on this ground, officers would seek delegated authority to work with the applicants to try and resolve this issue during the appeal process. If this was to be resolved, the contesting of the application would then be withdrawn.

The Development Management Team Leader – Major Developments noted that all the Section 106 Heads of Term on page 3 of the report had now been agreed.

Committee Member and Ward Member Councillor Nicky Dykes said that the other Bromley Town Centre Ward Councillors and herself supported the officer recommendation to contest the appeal. If this was not contested it would send the wrong message to developers, in that they did not need to provide the information required and would also imply to residents that the Council were not willing to fight for the best and meet the policies set. It was highlighted that there had been insufficient evidence provided in relation to carbon emissions, which was something that the Local Authority was committed to reducing.

Members having considered the report and objections, RESOLVED TO CONTEST THE APPEAL as recommended, having regard to the grounds for contending the appeal set out in the report of the Assistant Director, Planning (including agreement that if the reason to contest the appeal can be resolved by Officers with the applicant’s then the Council would not then contest the appeal).