Agenda item
Carriageway and footway adjacent to numbers 582-586 Old Ford Road, London, E3 (PA/12/00358)
Decision:
(Councillor Craig Aston rejoined the Committee for the remaining items of business)
On a vote of 2 in favour and 2 against with 1 abstention with the Chair using his casting vote in favour, the Committee RESOLVED
That planning permission (PA/12/00358) be GRANTED at Carriageway and footway adjacent to numbers 582-586 Old Ford Road, London, E3 subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.
Minutes:
(Councillor Craig Aston rejoined the Committee for the remaining items of business)
Jerry Bell (Applications Manager) introduced the proposal regardingCarriageway and footway adjacent to numbers 582-586 Old Ford Road, London, E3 (PA/12/00358)
The Chair invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
Councillor Marc Francis asked if a resident could address the meeting in objection. The Chair replied that as they had not registered in accordance with the speaking procedures, he could not allow the request.
Councillor Francis spoke in opposition to the scheme. He supported the overall principle of the TFL docking scheme and its expansion into the east end. However this scheme would have a serious impact on the area. It would lead to a loss of parking; attract anti social behaviour and harm amenity given it’s proximity to residents properties. He suggested that it be relocated to Wick Lane.
In response to questions, he considered it fairer to relocate it to Wick Lane given the occupants there were most likely to use the docking station. This would prevent the users having to walk to the docking station at night. The applicant had made many amendments to the scheme subjecting the residents to constant consultation. He disputed that a reduction in size of the station would help. If only few were provided it would still attract nuisance behaviour outside peoples properties.
Laura Stritch spoke in support of the scheme on behalf of the applicant. The scheme formed part of the London wide TFL docking scheme – phase 2. The aim was to have docking stations every 300 metres to ensure adequate coverage and make the scheme viable. She explained the substantial reductions in length of the station to address the concerns following extensive consultation with Officers and the community. Highways had raised no objections regarding the loss of parking given the level of parking elsewhere in the area and that it provided a sustainable form of transport. TFL liaised regularly with the police and the station would have good overlooking from the residential properties. If there were any issues with ASB, the scheme would be reviewed and it was possible it could be removed if issues couldn’t be resolved. The removal/return of the cycles made minimal noise.
There was a detailed site selection process. From this, the site was chosen as the best site to meet the requirements of the scheme. It would be located approximately 5 metres away from properties. The many stations elsewhere had been well received and she was not aware of complaints. In response to Members about whether Wick Lane had been considered, Ms Stritch stated she was not aware of this option until now. However the scheme should be considered in the first instance on its own merits. In choosing the scheme, many considerations were taken into account as well as residential amenity, and based on this, it was considered that the site provided the best location. All suitable sites were looked at and assessed. She did not believe that people gathered around the stations in groups or that they encouraged nuisance behaviour based on experience with other schemes. Usually they generated positive feedback. Action would be taken to address ASB. They would work with LBTH and the Police to prevent this. The applicant could possibly install CCTV. She could not confirm the distance of the nearest docking station.
Angelina Eke (Planning Officer) presented the detailed report supported by a power point presentation. She explained the principle of the scheme. She referred to the previously withdrawn scheme and the amendments made to overcome the issues. She addressed the objections as set out in the report. Officers considered that the location of the station near properties was acceptable in term of land use. It was planned to remove 4 parking spaces and redesign the layout to maintain current access arrangements. (Servicing, ambulance and disabled access). The Highway’s Team approved of the changes especially as there was sufficient parking in the area to accommodate the scheme.
Overall Officers considered that the scheme was acceptable without adverse impact on access or impact on amenity. It should be granted.
Members raised a number of questions around:
- The distance away from residential properties.
- The noise impact and the risk of ASB given the residential nature of the area. It was suggested that there was anecdotal evidence to support this from other stations.
- The possibility that people would use the scheme in groups.
- Experience with other schemes near people properties.
- Whether Wick Lane had been considered as a possible alternative site.
- The payment methods for the cycles. Some of which could take longer than oyster card use. (i.e. credit card payment)
- The impact on parking.
In response, Officers explained the method for using the cycles at the stations. Customers usually touched in and out with their Oyster cards which made minimal noise. There was no evidence to suggest that the stations caused ASB and that groups gathered around them. Customers normally just take the cycles and did not congregate. All sites chosen by TFL were checked by the Police who were involved in the initial canvassing for sites. It was required to consider this application on its own merits not potential alternatives sites.
On a vote of 2 in favour and 2 against with 1 abstention with the Chair using his casting vote in favour, the Committee RESOLVED
That planning permission (PA/12/00358) be GRANTED at Carriageway and footway adjacent to numbers 582-586 Old Ford Road, London, E3 subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.
On a vote of 2 in favour and 2 against with 1 abstention with the Chair using his casting vote in favour, the Committee RESOLVED
That planning permission (PA/12/00358) be GRANTED at Carriageway and footway adjacent to numbers 582-586 Old Ford Road, London, E3 subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.
Supporting documents:
- Old Ford Road Final report, item 7.3 PDF 116 KB
- Full page fax print old ford road map, item 7.3 PDF 1 MB