Agenda item
(PA/23/02079) Former News International Site, Buildings H & J, London Dock, 1 Virginia Street, London E98 1XY
Minutes:
Update Report noted.
Gareth Gwynne introduced the application to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the site comprising the erection of two buildings comprising residential use (Use Class C3), flexible commercial (Use Class E) and ancillary residential floorspace (Use Class C3), basement, disabled persons’ car parking, cycle parking, new public realm, landscaping and play space, plant, refuse and associated works
Rikki Weir provided a presentation to accompany the application, which highlighted the proposal’s site and surroundings. The details included the publicity and consultation, proposed height and scale, neighbouring sites, noise mitigation and planning history. The proposal would provide 227 affordable homes, 61 additional affordable homes than previously envisaged and 36 of them affordable rented. This is equal to 43% of affordable housing, which is below the 35% policy requirement.
Further to the presentation, the Committee asked questions to the Officers regarding the following issues;
· Confirmed that the water gardens and roof terraces are the only private areas in the scheme within buildings H and J. The quayside, promenade, garden square and play mews areas would be open to the public. A future route to the ornamental canal will also be available to public use.
· Noted that the quayside and promenade allow access to the wider London Dockside, as well as via Vaughan Way and Pennington Street respectively.
· Explained that there are plans to remove the inner Pennington Street gates, leaving the outer gates which would remain open. Additional details can be obtained as permitted development rights may be removed. This can be added as a condition if approval is given.
· Clarified that noise mitigation levels in regard to the E1 Nightclub have been addressed as the scheme proposes to include sufficient insulation, glazing and mechanical ventilation to ensure residents would be protected from noise.
· Confirmed that the Mayor of London CIL relates to Crossrail costs and that funding has been secured for access to a canal walkway. The developer has agreed to provide a scope of works for ramp and stair access and ongoing discussions with both the Parks and Highways teams are positive.
· Noted that consideration for resident consultations on play space will be given as well as the S106 wording in regard to what constitutes an event.
· Confirmed that affordable rented market home prices are set by the council and managed within the S106 obligation.
· Clarified that of the 1,527 notification letters sent to neighbouring properties in November 2023, 8 objection letters were received.
Upon a unanimous vote, the Officers recommendations as set out in the main report to grant full planning permission was agreed.
It was therefore RESOLVED that full planning permission is GRANTED at Former News International Site, Buildings H & J, London Dock, 1 Virginia Street, London E98 1XY:
· Redevelopment of the site comprising the erection of two buildings comprising residential use (Use Class C3), flexible commercial (Use Class E) and ancillary residential floorspace (Use Class C3), basement, disabled persons’ car parking, cycle parking, new public realm, landscaping and play space, plant, refuse and associated works.
Subject to:
1. Subject any direction by the Mayor of London.
2. Section 106 agreement including obligations.
3. Conditions set out in the committee report and an additional condition added in relation to removing general permitted development rights in respect of boundary treatments and fences.
4. Written confirmation from HSE on fire tender access prior to GLA Stage 2 referral.
Supporting documents: