To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were submitted.

To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made.

To confirm as a correct record of the minutes of the meeting of Development Committee held on 12^th December 2012.

The Committee RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12^th December 2012 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To RESOLVE that:

1)   in the event of changes being made to recommendations by the Committee, the task of formalising the wording of those changes is delegated to the Corporate Director Development and Renewal along the broad lines indicated at the meeting; and

2)   in the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Corporate Director Development and Renewal is delegated authority to do so, provided always that the Corporate Director does not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.

The Committee RESOLVED that:

1)           In the event of changes being made to recommendations by the Committee, the task of formalising the wording of those changes is delegated to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal along the broad lines indicated at the meeting; and

2)         In the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal is delegated authority to do so, provided always that the Corporate Director does not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision

The Committee RESOLVED that:

1)           In the event of changes being made to recommendations by the Committee, the task of formalising the wording of those changes is delegated to the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal along the broad lines indicated at the meeting; and

2)         In the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal is delegated authority to do so, provided always that the Corporate Director does not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision

To note the procedure for hearing objections at meetings of the Development Committee.

The deadline for registering to speak at this meeting is 4pm Monday 14^th January 2013.

The Committee noted the procedure for hearing objections, together with details of persons who had registered to speak at the meeting.

The Committee noted the procedure for hearing objections, together with details of persons who had registered to speak at the meeting.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Update Report tabled.

Councillor Anwar Khan proposed an amendment to condition 1 that the time limit for the permission be extended from 18 to 24 months. The reason was to accommodate any delays in completing the 49 Braintree Street scheme (planning permission PA/11/00987). This was seconded by Councillor Maium Miah and unanimously supported by the committee. 

Councillor Kosru Uddin proposed an amendment to condition 6 (as revised in the update) to extend the closing hours to 12 midnight generally and 1am during the Ramdan period where necessary. This was to accommodate the need for late prayer. This was seconded by Councillor Shiria Khatun and unanimously supported by the committee.

On a unanimous vote, the Committee RESOLVED:

1.                  That planning permission at Bancroft Green, Mantus Road, London E1 (PA/12/02685) be GRANTED for the installation of temporary portacabin on Bancroft Green area for use as a mosque whilst building is being erected at 49 Braintree Street under planning permission PA/11/00987;

2.                  That the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal is delegated power to impose conditions and an informative on the planning permission to secure the matters as set out in the Update report SUBJECT to the following amendments agreed by the Committee

·        Condition 1.  That the time limit be extended to 24 months.

·        Condition 6. That the closing hour be extended to 12 midnight generally and to 1am during the Ramadan period where necessary.

Update report tabled.

Jerry Bell (Applications Team Leader) introduced the report regarding Bancroft Green, Mantus Road, London E1 (PA/12/02685) for the installation of temporary mosque on Bancroft Green area.

The Chair invited the registered speakers to address the meeting.

Robert Waites addressed the committee in objection. He objected to the loss of open space for residents. He objected to the impact on traffic and the highway from the increased car use from the proposal. There would be over 200 additional worshippers. There were two empty buildings nearby. Consideration should be given to locating the proposed facility there as they were not in a residential area.

Members put a number of questions to Mr Waites.

In reply, he objected to the lack of consultation by the applicant. The only time that he had any contact with the applicant was when he made his objection. The Council sent two notification letters.  This was the only consultation carried out as far as he was aware. The first letter merely stated it would be a building. It was only the second letter that stated it would be a mosque. He was not opposed to the mosque.  Rather the siting of a building on the green.  He referred to the grass area that would be affected. The area was often used by the public for recreation (for walking dogs, etc). He noted that the majority of open space would still be available for public use including the play area.

Councillor Sirajul Islam addressed the committee in support as a ward councillor. He reported that the applicant had responded to the conditions in the report. He explained the history of their work in the community over many years. Their current facility was out of date and they now needed a new facility to maintain and expand their services. This proposal would facilitate this, prevent the displacement of worshippers and help with fundraising. The applicant had actively looked at sites elsewhere but none were suitable. The proposed site had been identified through consultation. He referred to the plans to work with Tower Hamlets Community Housing given their plans for a nearby site.

In reply to Members, he considered that the proposal would help address the problems with ASB at the site as shown by experience around the existing mosque. There were no longer any ASB problems at this site.

Councillor Mizan Chaudhury also spoke in support as a ward Councillor. He disputed the objection around increased visitors as it was evident that local residents would mostly use the facility. Therefore, there would be minimal impact from car use. There was no evidence that the facility would increase ASB. There were a number of large parks nearby (Victoria park and Bethnal Green park) that the public may use in the interim period. There were conditions and restrictions to protect amenity. The proposal was supported in policy.

Mandip Dhillon (Planning Officer) presented the detailed report and the update. The proposal was required to facilitate the development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.1

Please note that this item has been withdrawn from the agenda.

Item withdrawn by the applicant.

Item withdrawn by the applicant.

Jerry Bell (Applications Team Leader) introduced the report Phoenix School, 49 Bow Road, London, E3 2AD (PA/12/02919)

On a unanimous vote, the Committee RESOLVED:

That planning permission Phoenix School, 49 Bow Road, London, E3 2AD (PA/12/02919) for listed building consent for revised condenser and ventilation equipment required following proposed changes to the proposed energy strategy be referred to the Government Office for West Midlands with the recommendation that the Council would be minded to grant Listed Building Consent subject to conditions set out in the report.

Jerry Bell presented the report and highlighted the key points.

On a unanimous vote the Committee RESOLVED

That the details and outcomes as set out in the report be noted.