Agenda item

West Wickham ward

Description of Application - Refurbishment and extension to West Wickham library including a new cafe and community space; redevelopment of the car park site on Croft Avenue to provide a mews of 6 houses comprising 12 flats (6 x 1 bed and 6 x 3 bed) and a detached three storey block of flats comprising 14 units (3 x studio and 11 x 1 bed); with associated bike and bin stores, car parking, ancillary space and private and communal amenity space and alterations to the access road.

The Planning Officer gave a brief presentation, providing an overview of the application and update on the report.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from the Architect/Planning Consultant who gave the following responses to Member questions:-

• As part of the pre-application process consideration had been given to different site layouts.  The current proposal was put forward as a result of the reduced impact on neighbouring properties and reduced overlooking/overshadowing.
• Were permission to be granted, tender material would be developed in 2022 with site preparations in December 2022.  It was anticipated that the overall build time would be 18 months with completion in Spring 2024.
• In terms of electrical vehicle charging, the proposals reflected minimum requirements. However, all spaces could be upgraded.
• In relation to light pollution, the design of the scheme did not include excessive additional lighting.  Details of what time the lights in the library would be turned off had yet to be discussed.
• In terms of the design, the aim was to deliver a contemporary new look through the use of modern and innovative materials.  Screens provided shade and detailing, and the proposed extension was powder coated.
• There was provision of two separate public and accessible toilets on the ground floor of the library.
• A transport statement had been submitted via a consultant and this demonstrated that the service road was wide enough to accommodate service vehicles and refuse trucks and that there was adequate turning space. 
• Car parking surveys had been conducted as part of the transport statement and discussions with the Council’s Transport Department had confirmed that car parking provision was adequate.
• There was currently no parking provision for occupants of 105 Station Road and no requirement for the specific provision of parking for this site however this could be considered in the future.
• The car park behind the library was for residents of the development although the library had existing car park provision.
• In terms of the mix of units, the market was currently providing 2-bed units. Consequently, the Council had sought a concentration of 1 and 3-bed units to fill the gap.
• Wheelchair units were accessible via a lift.
  
  

The Chairman reminded the meeting that neither Ward Councillor could move or second a motion as they were both acting as alternates. Committee Member and Ward Member Councillor Bennett opened the debate recognising that there was a social duty to address the problem of homelessness across the Borough.  That said, Councillor Bennett confirmed that he still had concerns around the proposed layout of the development and insufficient car parking provision for the 26 units on the site.

Committee Member and Ward Councillor Hannah Gray expressed support for the scheme which provided good public facilities although concerns remained around insufficient resident car parking.

Councillor Fawthrop recognised that there was a lot to recommend the scheme but noted that there were details to be resolved such as the layout of the development, light pollution and the hours of operation for the library.  Consequently, Councillor Fawthrop proposed that consideration of the application be deferred to enable these details to be resolved.

Councillor Peter Dean supported the application and moved that permission be approved as recommended.  Councillor Josh King seconded the motion to approve expressing support for the proposal to extend West Wickham library and for the provision of affordable housing.

Councillor Vanessa Allen noted the explanation provided by the architect concerning the proposed layout of the development and that the layout had been arranged to minimise overlooking.  The proposals had gone through the pre-application process and in addition a presentation had been provided for Councillors.

Councillor William Huntington-Thresher noted that any changes to the layout of the development may increase overshadowing.  The proposal before the Committee was adequate and there was a need to move forward with the scheme.

In response to a question, the Planning Officer reported that there were three other car parks in West Wickham, all within a 10-minute walk of the development.  It was also noted that the proposed parking was policy compliant.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED subject to a transfer of funds as recommended and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report of the Assistant Director, Planning.