Proposal:

Update report was tabled.

On a vote of 2 in favour and 1 against the Committee RESOLVED:

1   That, planning permission is GRANTED at 140, 146 Brick Lane and 25 Woodseer Street, London, E1 6RU for the following development.

·       Redevelopment to include erection of a part five storey office building (Class B1) plus rooftop plant with ground floor and first floor commercial units (Class A1/A3) and two storey basement for provision of plant, servicing, storage and a gym (Class D2) (140 Brick Lane - Plot S1), linked to the reconfigured ground floor of the adjacent building and provision for commercial units (Class A1) (146 Brick Lane - Plot H), refurbishment and two storey extension of the adjacent building (25 Woodseer Street - Plot S2) for office use (Class B1) with ground floor commercial unit (Class A3), plus rooftop plant and external landscaping

Subject to:

1.          The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as set out in the Committee report dated 14th September 2021

2.          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 dated 14th September 2021

Update report was tabled.

Paul Buckenham introduced the application regarding – for the redevelopment to provide an office led – mixed use development, containing retail and restaurants with associated works.  This application was considered by the Development Committee on 27 April 2021. As set out in the Minutes of the meeting, the Committee expressed concern that further exploration was needed on the planning obligations in relation to:

•         the terms and provision of affordable workspace;

•         the provision of independent retail with a focus on supporting existing local businesses;

•         the community cohesion aspects of these matters.

Several changes have now been made to the proposed affordable workspace and independent retail commitments in order to address the reasons for deferral. The officer recommendation remains to grant planning permission and has been updated to reflect the outcome of the negotiations. The Committee were also advised of the content of the update report.

Patrick Harmsworth presented the report, providing an overview of the site and the key features of the application. The following issues were noted:

•         The site location and details of the proposal,  the proposed floor plans and the public realm improvements, including a new internal street (New Dray Walk) and public square (Black Eagle Yard).

•         Before and after images of the site with the proposals, including details of the key features.

•         The proposed public realm enhancements to Woodseer Street and Brick Lane including new active frontage to all areas of public realm. In relation to Woodseer Street, it was noted that the development had been set back doubling the width of the pavement.

•         Outdoor terraces were also proposed at Woodseer Street as well as a series of mitigation measures to minimise any impacts. This includes the stepping down of the new building to transition between the taller brewery buildings and the Woodseer Street terraces.

•         The results of the public consultation. Further representations had been received but these raised no new issues.

The Committee noted the details of the changes as set out in the Committee report in relation to the following issues:

The affordable workspace.

•         Members noted the improved offer to provide affordable workspace consisting of not less than 45% below the indicative market rent for a period of 15 years. This is an increase from the offer at the previous Committee which comprised of affordable workspace that is  not less than 30% below the indicative market rate for a period of 10 years - with no restrictions on the size of the businesses this could be secured for. This increased offer exceeded Local Plan policy, and was in line with the draft Spitalfields Neighbourhood Plan

•         The amendments to base the definition of a small business that could occupy the space to that set out under the Companies Act 2006.

•         The requirement to submit an Affordable Workspace Strategy with a strong focus on prioritising local businesses and ensuring that occupiers were in keeping with the nature and character of the wider Brick  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4