Proposal:

Full Planning permission for a riverboat station, jetty and associated works at Blackwall Yard.

This application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement.

Recommendation:

Grant planning permission with conditions and planning obligations

Update report was published.

Paul Buckenham introduced the application for a riverboat station, jetty and associated works at Blackwall Yard. He also outlined the issues in the update report.

Aleksandra Milentijevic (Planning Services) presented the application advising of the site and the surrounding area and Blackwall Yard scheme.

The following issues were noted:

·       The key features of the application to provide a sustainable travel mode, with a new Pier which maximises the use of the river. It would also contribute to the transport interchange connecting the area with other Thameside areas and riverboat stations across London from Putney to Woolwich.

• The outcome of the consultation in relation to the amended application (after the removal of cross ferry service from the proposal). Nine representations had been received with three additional representations in the update report.( In addition, the Applicant had also carried out their own consultation). The issues raised were note, through the Council’s consultation scheme relating to: issues with the existing public foot path, air quality issues, amenity impacts, potential ant-social behaviour, and lack of demand and use of river services. It was proposed that an additional compliance condition should be secured as set out in the update report limiting operating hours, clipper movements and vessel engine capacity.
• The land use was in accordance with policy -  PLA’s Thames Vision 2035 (2020), the London’s Passenger Pier Strategy (2015).
• The scheme has been designed to respond to the local area, minimise the impact on heritage assets with mitigation for any environmental impacts and operational and navigation restrictions.
• Officers were mindful of the concerns raised by the  Council’s heritage and design Officers about the impact on the setting of the listed structure. They also noted the issues around lack of use, and the benefits in terms of better revealing the dock.  It was considered that the public benefits would outweigh the less than substantial harm.
• In terms of the amenity issues/construction impacts, conditions would be secured to minimise any impacts, as set out in the list of conditions. This included a requirement to submit a detailed CEMP and Construction Logistics Plan and to ensure compliance with the Considerate Contractor Scheme
• In highway terms, the scheme raised no issues.
• The environmental information had been considered by the Council and the Environmental Agency and they had withdrawn their objection.

It is recommended that the scheme be granted conditional planning permission.

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The Chair invited the registered speakers to address the Committee

Natalie Carter addressed the Committee in objection: She expressed concerns about the impact on New Providence Wharf in terms of

• Safety and security issues due to the increased footfall/ use of the public footway, due to the increase in public access. Conditions should be secured to provide security measures, including contributions from the Council to fund this.
• Impact on the river wall from increased river use. Responsibility for the costs.
• Impact on air quality and increased carbon emissions from Thames Clippers.
• Increased noise pollution and ASB

Alexandru Ene also address the Committee raising concerns about a separate application.

The applicant’s representatives Stephen Rossouw addressed the Committee, advising of the benefits of the application, highlighting the following.

• The public benefits in terms of the provision of sustainable river transport.
• Mitigation to minimise environmental impact and comply with relevant standards. There would also be biodiversity enhancements.
• That the applicant had engaged widely with residents and stakeholders
• The level of support for the scheme.

The Committee asked questions of the registered speakers and Officers

The Committee sought clarity about the environmental impacts in light of the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment. In particularly assurances were sought about the mitigations for:

• light pollution and impact on residents and on wildlife

·       measures to minimise carbon omissions and other green initiatives.

• the monitoring of air quality and controlling hours of operation.

·       issues around the future proofing of the cross-river ferry,

·       noise impacts.

In response, Officers drew attention to the conditions and measures set out in the report to manage these issues, to ensure the impacts would be minimal including:

• the pre – commencement conditions requiring a lighting strategy. (Condition 20), Impact on residential properties should be minimal given the distance away from the pier.
• The provision of a strategy for the use of carbon neutral and negative vehicles (condition 28)
• Condition 18 – requiring continuous monitoring of air quality.
• The new compliance condition, set out in the update report, limiting operating hours, clipper movements and vessel engine capacity. This could only be amended with the Council’s permission.

·       The removal from the application of the future proofing of the cross-river ferry, due to the need outstanding issues. This may be re-introduced if necessary, through a new planning permission.

• The noise controls.

The applicant also commented on their plans regarding the introduction of new more sustainable clippers in the near future.

The Committee also asked questions about the increased footfall for the area and the  safety and security measures.  In response the following issues were noted:

• The objectors clarified their concerns about this in view of the opening hours, the frequency of the boat trips and the plans to open up new areas for public access.
• They also considered that there had been a lack of consultation with residents at their expense.
• Officers confirmed that conditions would be secured ensuring proposed structures were safe, including a requirement to secure by design accreditation.
• Availability of increased footfall numbers in the Transport Study and lack of impact on highways.

The Committee also discussed/ noted details of the maintenance/ownership arrangements for the Thames Footpath. It was noted that the maintenance costs, this was not a planning matter.

On a unanimous vote the Committee RESOLVED:

1.          That, subject to any direction by the Mayor of London planning permission is GRANTED at Blackwall Way Yard Jetty, Blackwall Way, London for the following development:

A riverboat station, jetty and associated works at Blackwall Yard. (PA/21/00288) 

2.          subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations, set out in the Committee report

3.          That the Corporate Director of Place is delegated the power to negotiate the legal agreement. If within three months of the resolution the legal agreement has not been completed, the Corporate Director for Place is delegated power to refuse planning permission.

4.          That the Corporate Director of Place is delegated the power to impose conditions and informatives to address the matters, set out in the Committee report and the amendments to the conditions listed in the update report.

Election of Chair for the next Item of Business

In view of the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee, Councillor Tarik Khan moved and Councillor David Edgar seconded a proposal that Councillor Val Whitehead be elected to Chair this item of business. this was agreed.