Agenda item

APPROVED.

Description of Application: Demolition of a garage and associated buildings including a substation at No. 2 Station Road, redevelopment of the Bromley North Station Road car park to provide 75 residential units with 261sq.m(GIA) commercial floor space (Use Class Order Class E), provision of disabled parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking, a landscaped outdoor space and associated works.

The Planning Officer gave a brief presentation providing an overview of the application and update on the report.  Members were advised that the affordable housing provision would all be social rental units as the development was subject to funding from the Greater London Authority. The proposal would also provide attractive affordable housing for households on low incomes.

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

·  Should the Committee approve the planning application, it was anticipated that initial works would commence on site in March 2024 prior to the commencement of the main works in May 2024 for an approximate 18-month construction period.

·  A total of eight wheelchair units were proposed and would be serviced by three disabled parking spaces with capacity for four additional disabled car parking spaces if required.  No standard car spaces were planned in line with the London Plan requirements, and residents would be notified of this prior to taking up residence.  Residents would also not qualify for parking permits for the surrounding streets as these were fully subscribed.  Councillor Shaun Slator suggested that the seven disabled parking spaces that could be accommodated on site be included in the development from the start. 

·  The proposed design for the development included balcony provision for some of the residential units and these were within the site footprint and did not overhang the public footpath.

Oral representations supporting the application were received from Councillor Julie Ireland, Ward Member who confirmed that all Bromley Town Ward Members supported the development but suggested it could be useful to undertake a review of parking in the local area, particularly in light of the recent closure of the Hill Car Park.

In opening the discussion, Councillor Kevin Kennedy-Brooks observed that Bromley Mencap was located near to the site.  It would be important to ensure that the Construction Management Plan took account of vulnerable service users in close proximity to the works.  Councillor Kira Gabbert added that the operational needs of Northside House Cataract Clinic should also be considered and that a nearby car park could be used to manage parking demand during the construction period. 

With regard to the car-free development, Councillor Charles Joel highlighted that some residents would have private and commercial vehicles and that this was likely to add to parking pressure in the surrounding area.  Councillor Simon Fawthrop was similarly concerned about the lack of parking provision and stated that the application should be refused on this basis.

Councillor Simon Fawthrop moved that the planning application be refused.  The motion was not seconded and FELL.

Councillor Tony McPartlan spoke in support of the development and asked that his thanks be conveyed to the Regeneration Team for their excellent work in providing much-needed homes for Bromley residents.

Councillor Tony Owen moved that the planning application be approved as recommended.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Tony McPartlan, put to the vote and CARRIED.

RESOLVED: That PERMISSION BE GRANTED subject to legal agreement and conditions as recommended for the reasons set out in the report of the Assistant Director: Planning.

Councillor Simon Fawthrop requested that his vote in objection to the application be recorded.