Agenda item

PERMISSION, SUBJECT TO A S106 AGREEMENT AND ANY DIRECTION BY THE MAYOR OF LONDON

Description of Application: Demolition of existing buildings and phased redevelopment comprising 275 residential homes in buildings ranging from 3 to 7 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.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from the Agent who gave the following responses to Members’ questions:

·  In developing the proposals for the future of the estate, a full life cycle assessment had been completed which demonstrated that the necessary improvements could only be delivered through redevelopment of the site.  Extensive engagement had been undertaken with residents who were in favour of the proposed redevelopment.  The majority of homes on the redeveloped site would be wheelchair accessible and additional residential units would also be created.  The proposed parking provision was supported by the Council and Transport for London and strong public transport links were also in place.

·  The duration of the redevelopment scheme was 10-years and would provide a single decant option to existing residents to enable them to remain within their settled community throughout the construction period, although the option of moving to alternate accommodation with the right to return would also be available.  Riverside had partnered with Countryside for the scheme which had a proven track record in development as well as a strong interest in delivering the private residential units at the end of the redevelopment scheme.  Riverside was confident that the recent increases in building materials costs were levelling out.

Councillor Michael Tickner, visiting Ward Member, addressed the Committee, underlining that the planning application referred to the redevelopment of the entire estate and not just Clifford House.  This 1970s housing estate had been well-built but poorly designed and would benefit from the proposed redevelopment.  The Member had some reservations about parking provision as Outer London residents were more reliant on cars and a reduced number of parking spaces could create issues with on-street parking, particularly when events were held at Beckenham Place Park.  Councillor Tickner concluded that the scheme was acceptable, particularly in the light of a possible reduction in car use in the medium to long-term as car ownership declined.  Any other arising issues could be addressed by planning conditions.

Councillor Will Connolly, visiting Ward Member, addressed the Committee and listed a number of positive factors about the proposed scheme including: the creation of new homes; the reduced height of the development; new play spaces; and improvements to pathways and lighting that would help maintain the low crime rates on the estate.  There were some concerns around increased HGV use of the site as well as potential issues for cyclists traversing the three new access roads.  The Planning Officer advised that use of the site by HGVs would be managed via the Construction Environmental Management Plan and that the developer had agreed to contribute £50k to a new pedestrian/cyclist crossing to support road safety.  In response to further questions, the Planning Officer explained that there was no requirement to provide over-55 years accommodation and that a recent marketing campaign had demonstrated no demand for this type of property on the estate.  A condition could be added to the planning application to plant additional trees on site if it was felt necessary, and Tree Protection Orders could be used to protect existing trees where appropriate.  The planning application demonstrated the developer was meeting all required policies in terms of energy and ecology, and Thames Water had confirmed that the existing water infrastructure was sufficient to meet additional demand.

The Chairman invited Councillor and Ward Member Chloe-Jane Ross to open the debate.  Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross expressed support for the scheme as it met planning criteria; maximised the available space; and, delivered affordable homes.  The redevelopment would also address heating issues affecting the existing housing.  With a net increase of 71 homes, there would be a need to lobby Transport for London to ensure public transport was sufficient for increased demand.  Councillor Ross further observed that estate residents should not be disadvantaged should a Controlled Parking Zone be introduced in the surrounding streets.  In response to a question from Councillor Charles Joel, the Planning Officer explained that a vehicle swept path analysis had been completed and it was identified that there was suitable access for larger vehicles which would be supported by a condition on servicing logistics.

Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross moved that the planning application be approved as recommended. The motion was seconded by the Chairman, put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED: That PERMISSION BE GRANTED as recommended, subject to conditions, a S106 Legal agreement and any direction by the Mayor of London, as set out in the report of the Assistant Director: Planning.