Agenda item

Description of Application - Demolition of existing buildings and phased redevelopment comprising 170 residential units in buildings ranging from 2 to 13 storeys. Associated landscaping, car and cycle parking and ancillary development

The Planning Officer gave a brief presentation, providing an overview of the application and update on the report. The applicant had agreed the outstanding heads of terms, the bus contribution had been paid and the condition concerning the pedestrian crossing had been amended to require the pedestrian crossing improvements being carried out within 2 years of completion of the development.

Oral representations in objection of the application were received from a local resident.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from the agent who gave the following responses to Member questions:-

• The points that had been raised concerning overlooking were fully understood and the current proposals were the optimum solution to the competing challenges of delivering units and protecting residential amenity.
• Time and effort had gone into ensuring the flow of the building and protecting the landscape and environment.
• A variety of measures were being applied in terms of renewable energy. The cost of living for residents would be significantly less.
• The proposals would meet electric charging requirements.
• The number of additional units being proposed ensured the viability of the scheme.
• The scheme was consistent with Tall Building Policy. Different permutations had been considered and the proposals before the Committee were the optimum balance.

The Chairman reported that she had received an email from Ward Councillor Peter Morgan in support of the application.

Committee Member and Ward Councillor Turner reported that while he supported redevelopment of the site, he was not in favour of the current proposals which included more high-rise building. While there had been a ballot of residents and the majority had been in favour of redevelopment, they had not been in favour of this particular scheme. The proposals represented an overdevelopment of the site and many grounds of objection had been put forward. The proposals replaced one 13-storey block with a number of other high-rise blocks. There was insufficient parking and this would burden surrounding roads which were already under pressure. It was also disappointing that there was no increase in social housing units. Councillor Turner also highlighted that the proposal did not accord with London Policy D9. Consequently, Councillor Turner moved refusal on the grounds of over-development, visual impact on surrounding areas and failure to comply with London Policy D9.  Councillor Owen seconded the motion for refusal.

Councillor Peter Dean recognised the constraints of developing urban areas and while acknowledging the loss of amenity, there was a shortage of housing supply and this was the overriding factor.  As such Councillor Dean moved approval.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Christine Harris.

In response to a question from Councillor Terry, Officers confirmed that this site was not included in the 5-year housing land supply which had included only deliverable sites (i.e. those with planning permission) and at the time Officers had not been in a position to include this site.

The Planning Officer reported that, were the Committee minded to approve the application, an energy condition would be included. The Planning Officer also confirmed that a Biodiversity condition was recommended and that the wording should be amended to require the condition details prior to ‘above-ground works’. The Planning officer also clarified that any permission granted would be subject to any additional conditions as advised by the Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control.

Councillor Fawthrop requested that an additional condition concerning ridge height be added.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO LEGAL AGREEMENT AND ANY DIRECTION BY THE MAYOR OF LONDON as recommended and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report of the Assistant Director, Planning.

It was further RESOLVED that the following additional conditions be added:

1. Energy
2. Ridge height