Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
Venue: Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: Zoe Folley, Democratic Services Tel: 020 7364 4877, E-mail: zoe.folley@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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Order of Business The Chair announced that it was hoped to conclude the meeting by 9pm to accommodate those observing Ramadan.
The order of business was changed at the meeting so that agenda item 8.4, Telehouse Far East, Sites 6 & 8, Oregano Drive, E14 2AA (PA/14/0074) was considered before item 8.3, 28 Ensign Street, London (PA/13/03068). The order of the remaining items remained unchanged. However, for ease of reference, the order of these minutes follow the agenda order.
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ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR FOR 2014/15 To elect a Vice-Chair for the Committee for 2014/15.
Minutes: It was proposed by Councillor Sirajul Islam and seconded by Councillor Amina Ali that Councillor Danny Hassell be elected Vice-Chair. Three Members voted in favour of this proposal.
It was proposed by Councillor Muhammad Ansar Mustaquim and seconded by Councillor Suluk Ahmed that Councillor Md. Maium Miah be elected Vice-Chair. Four Members voted in favour of this proposal.
RESOLVED:
That Councillor Md. Maium Miah be elected Vice-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2014/2015
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DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS PDF 56 KB 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.
Minutes: No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made.
Councillor Md. Maium Miah declared an interest in agenda item 8.2, Land known as "Wood Wharf", Preston's Road, London, E14 9SF (PA/13/02966 AND PA/13/02967). This was because the Councillor had attended a presentation from the developers on the application with Officers present and was a ward Councillor for Canary Wharf.
Councillors Sirajul Islam declared an interest in agenda item 8.1, 100 Whitechapel road and land rear at Fieldgate Street & Vine Court (PA/13/3049). This was because the Councillor was a worshipper at the East London Mosque and a former member of Tower Hamlets Community Housing.
Councillors Sirajul Islam declared an interest in agenda 8.2, Land known as "Wood Wharf", Preston's Road, London, E14 9SF (PA/13/02966 AND PA/13/02967). This was because he had attended a presentation from the developers on the application with Officers present.
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING(S) PDF 62 KB To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Development Committee held on 15th May 2014.
Minutes: The Committee RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 May 2014 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
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RECOMMENDATIONS 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.
Minutes: 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
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PROCEDURE FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS AND MEETING GUIDANCE PDF 64 KB To NOTE the procedure for hearing objections at meetings of the Strategic Development Committee and meeting guidance.
Minutes: The Committee noted the procedure for hearing objections, together with details of persons who had registered to speak at the meeting.
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Recommendations:
To note the Strategic Development Committee’s Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership and Dates of future meetings as set out in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the Committee report.
Additional documents:
Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the Strategic Development Committee’s Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership and Dates of future meetings as set out in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the Committee report be noted.
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DEFERRED ITEMS No Items. Minutes: No items.
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100 Whitechapel road and land rear at Fieldgate Street & Vine Court (PA/13/3049) PDF 677 KB Proposal:
Demolition of existing vehicle workshop and car showroom; erection of a residential development comprising a total of 221 dwellings (comprising 46 studios; 92 x 1 bed; 52 x 2 bed; 20 x 3 bed; 11 x 4 bed) in an 18 storey building facing Fieldgate Street; and 2 buildings ranging in height from 8-12 storey building facing Whitechapel Road and Vine Court, provision of ground floor retail and restaurant spaces (Class A1 and A3), café (A3); 274.9 sqm extension to the prayer hall at the East London Mosque and provision of pedestrian link between Fieldgate Street and Whitechapel Road, extension to existing basement to provide 20 disabled car parking spaces, motorcycle spaces, 360 bicycle parking spaces and bin storage in basement, associated landscape and public realm works.
Recommendation:
That subject to any direction by the London Mayor, Planning Permission is REFUSED for the reasons set out in the Committee Report.
Minutes: Update Report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application at 100 Whitechapel road and land to the rear at Fieldgate Street & Vine Court. The Committee previously considered the application at its April 2014 meeting where, contrary to the Officer recommendation to refuse permission, the Committee were minded to grant permission. Since that time, the Committee Membership had changed following Annual Council and it was now required to consider the application afresh.
A number of issues had been resolved since the previous Committee meeting. However Officers were still recommending a refusal due to the nature of the concerns as detailed in the Committee report.
The Chair invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
Glenda Parkes spoke in support of the proposal highlighting the level of support for the scheme from residents, local business amongst other people and bodies. There were few representations in objection to the scheme. She highlighted the benefits of the scheme including: new jobs, the pedestrian link to improve permeability, new housing - a number with wheelchair access and the replacement of the unsightly vehicle workshop amongst other features. There had been no objections from the neighboring Tower House that would increase in value as a result of the proposal. Any development of the site would present challenges given the ‘landlocked’ nature of the site. The scheme generally complied with the sunlight and daylight requirements. The overall benefits of the scheme outweighed these impacts.
Councillor Shahed Ali spoke in support as a ward Councillor and a longstanding resident of the area. The area was of mixed character with commercial uses. He outlined the merits of the proposals in terms of the new link to improve permeability, the public realm improvements, the proposed new jobs and additional affordable housing. He considered that the housing mix was appropriate for the site with the level of smaller units. The community benefits far outweighed the concerns. The Mosque offered a range of facilities and services open to all. Everyone would therefore benefit from the expansion of the Mosque.
Councillor Abdal Asad also spoke in support of the scheme as a ward Councillor. He explained the benefits for the Tower House development. He welcomed the plans to improve permeability and the expansion of the Mosque. The previous Committee in April 2014 were minded to approve the scheme. He recommended that the Committee should also approve the scheme.
Shay Bugler (Planning Officer) gave a detailed presentation of the application highlighting the site location, the adjoining Conservation Areas, the relationship of the scheme with the nearby Tower House development, the height in relation to the surrounding buildings and the public transport rating for the site. He advised the Committee of the outcome of the public consultation on the scheme.
The principles of redevelopment of the site and the prposed mix of land uses are supported by Development plan policies. However, there were a number of major concerns. Since the April 2014 meeting, five of the previous reasons for refusal had ... view the full minutes text for item 8.1 |
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Land known as "Wood Wharf", Preston's Road, London, E14 9SF (PA/13/02966 AND PA/13/02967) PDF 7 MB Proposal:
Outline Planning Application
Outline application (all matters reserved) for mixed-use redevelopment of the site known as “Wood Wharf”.
Listed Building Consent Application
Listed Building Consent sought for demolition of and alteration to listed dock walls including the course of the wall to the Blackwall Basin and the East Quay of the Export Dock and Middle Cut between the Export Dock and the South Dock.
Recommendations:
To GRANT planning permission subject to any direction/call-in by the London Mayor, prior completion of a legal agreement, conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee Report.
To GRANT Listed Building Consent subject to the conditions set out in the Committee report.
Minutes: Update Report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application and the update report regarding the Wood Wharf site.
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
The Committee heard from Richard Gosling from the 'Save Our Water' group. Residents welcomed the development of the site but had concerns about the impact of the plot F1 building, one of the tallest buildings, on the nearby residents and the plot B2 development.
Mr Gosling considered that the F1 building would have an oppressive appearance, be out of keeping with the area and would overlook residential properties. There had been no consultation with residents regarding the plans. The plot B2 building, between Cartier Circle and the Blackwall Basin, would harm views to the O2 building and impact on the dock heritage and was of poor design. The application should be reviewed in light of these concerns.
Councillor Andrew Wood spoke raising objections. He stressed the need for new schools, health facilities to be physically delivered in view of the growing population. This should be mandatory with no option of financial contribution in the event that such facilities could not be provided. He questioned whether the child yield predictions were realistic. There was a lack of units for middle income residents and information about the impact on the docks.
Jason Syrett spoke in support. He stressed the strategic importance of the scheme in providing a large number of high quality housing with infrastructure. He listed the key features of the scheme, based on plans drawn up with the Council and key agencies and public consultation.
Howard Dawber spoke in support. There had been few objections to the scheme. There would be 25% affordable housing on site including family sized units at the Council’s preferred levels. There would also be a new primary school with places for all children from the new development, amongst other new community facilities and open space. The capacity of the GP’s surgeries would be in excess of the scheme’s population. The F1 site should have little impact on the residential properties due to the generous separation distance and the slender design. The B2 building would provide an important landmark without any undue problems.
Robert Lancaster (Planning Officer) presented the report and update to Members. He reassured Members about the credibility of child yield predications using the Council’s adopted formulae. Other assessments were less accurate. The intermediate units were focused towards smaller units due to the challenges around the affordability of larger intermediate units in this high value area.
Mr Lancaster explained the site location and referred to the control documents for this outline planning permission. He also explained the site designation, the planning history, the extant scheme, the height of the proposed buildings, the effect on the dock heritage and the outcome of the consultation. He drew attention to the indicative scheme, submitted alongside this scheme to show how the scheme might be delivered in accordance with the control documents.
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28 Ensign Street, London (PA/13/03068) PDF 4 MB Proposal:
Demolition of existing building and erection of a new part 4, 6 and 15 storey building (ground plus 14 storeys) to provide 65 residential units (Use Class C3); flexible commercial use of part of the ground floor for either Class A1/A2/B1 use; and other landscaping and highways works incidental to the application (amended application).
Recommendation:
To GRANT planning permission subject to any direction by the London Mayor, prior completion of a legal agreement, conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee Report.
Additional documents: Minutes: Update Report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application and the update report.
Adam Williams (Planning Officer) gave a presentation on the scheme explaining the site location, the proximity to the Conservation Area, the existing use, the points raised in support and objection during the local consultation. The site lay in the Central Activities Zone location that supported this type of scheme on the site. The proposed land use complied with policy. The scheme would deliver affordable housing, assessed by the independent viability testing as the maximum that could be secured. The height (as amended following consultation) and appearance responded well to the surrounding area with features to secure this. There were measures, such as privacy screening, to protect amenity in view of the separation distances. Whilst there would be some impact on amenity given the urban setting, this did not warrant refusal. A construction management plan would be secured as a condition to take into account the collective impact of construction works from other developments in the area. Contributions had been secured in line with policy although the full contribution requested by TFL towards the cycle hire scheme was not viable and a reduced amount was recommended. The scheme would be car free.
In response to questions, it could be requested that a minimum of seven wheelchair adaptable units were delivered.
The crossing would be provided as part of the London Dock scheme, prior to the opening of the new secondary school, which would improve pedestrian safety and movement in the surrounding area.
It was confirmed that the family affordable houses would have separate living and dining areas. There would be measures to prevent conflict between construction activity and school opening hours and the free flow of the highway.
On a unanimous vote, the Committee agreed to amend the hours of construction to start at 09:00 Saturday to minimise disruption to residents in view of the proximity of the proposal to residential properties.
On a vote of 7 in favour and 1 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission (PA/13/03068) at 28 Ensign Street, London (PA/13/03068) be GRANTED for the demolition of existing building and erection of a new part 4, 6 and 14 storey building, (ground plus 14 storeys) to provide 65 residential units (Use Class C3); flexible commercial use of part of the ground floor for either Class A1/A2/B1 use; and other landscaping and highways works incidental to the application (amended application) Subject to:
2. Any direction/call-in by The London Mayor.
3. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the report.
4. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal and the Service Head (Legal Services) are delegated power to negotiate and complete the legal agreement indicated above acting within normal delegated authority.
5. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to impose conditions and informatives on the planning permission to secure the matters set out in the committee report and the ... view the full minutes text for item 8.3 |
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Telehouse Far East, Sites 6 & 8, Oregano Drive, E14 2AA (PA/14/0074) PDF 483 KB Proposal:
Redevelopment of the site for the erection of a 10 storey data centre building of 66m in height comprising approximately 24,370sqm of floor space including provision of roof top plant and satellite dish at site known as Site 6; reconfiguration of loading bay area to North building; new first floor bridge link to existing North building; erection of a 12 storey office development 65m in height comprising approximately 13,283m2 of floor space known as Site 8; provision of 29 car and 128 cycle parking; re-routing of existing cycle path on Sorrel Lane.
Recommendation:
To GRANT planning permission subject to any direction by the London Mayor, prior completion of a legal agreement, conditions, variation and informatives as set out in the Committee Report.
Minutes: Update Report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application at the Telehouse Far East, Sites 6 & 8, Oregano Drive.
Shay Bugler (Planning Officer) presented the application and the update report. The proposal would provide an additional data centre to Telehouse Campus and would provide a supporting role to the Blackwall Local Office Location. It was envisaged that the application would provide 150 full time jobs. Therefore, in land use terms, the application complied with policy.
It was considered that the height of the scheme was acceptable with a good quality design, following consultation with design and conservation officers on these matters. There were conditions requiring details of the lighting, boundary treatments and materials to be submitted for approval.
The proposal would preserve the listed wall and its setting and the Conservation Area without causing any undue impact on the amenity of the surrounding properties.
Appropriate Planning obligations would be secured to ensure the proposal was mitigated against and there was no undue pressure on infrastructure.
In response to questions about security, it was confirmed that details of such plans would be secured via condition. The plans included the re-routing of the cycle superhighway on Sorrell Lane to facilitate security.
The developer would exercise best endeavours to ensure that 20% of the construction phase workforce would be local residents of Tower Hamlets. LBTH Officers would work with the Employment Team to assist this.
It was clarified that the following sentence should be removed from paragraph 8.92 of the Committee report ‘A financial contribution of £17,889 towards monitoring the Section 106 Agreement’.
On a unanimous vote, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission (PA/14/0074) at Telehouse Far East, Sites 6 & 8, Oregano Drive, E14 2AA be GRANTED for the redevelopment of the site for the erection of a 10 storey data centre building of 66m in height comprising approximately 24,370sqm of floor space including provision of roof top plant and satellite dish at site known as Site 6; reconfiguration of loading bay area to North building; new first floor bridge link to existing North building; erection of a 12 storey office development 65m in height comprising approximately 13,283m2 of floor space known as Site 8; provision of 29 car and 128 cycle parking; re-routing of existing cycle path on Sorrel Lane Subject to:
2. Any direction by the London Mayor.
3. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the committee report.
4. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to negotiate and complete the legal agreement indicated above acting within normal delegated authority.
5. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated authority to recommend the imposition of conditions, variation and informatives in relation to the matters set out in the Committee report.
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Former Glaucus Works (also known as Leven Wharf), Leven Road, E14 0LP (PA/13/03053) PDF 3 MB Proposal:
Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of site to provide a part 6, part 9 storey mixed use building with basement parking to provide 291sqm of commercial space (A1/A2/A3/A4, B1(a), D1 Use Classes) together with 126 residential units with associated landscaping, children's play facilities and public riverside walkway.
Recommendation:
To GRANT planning permission subject to any direction by the London Mayor, prior completion of a legal agreement, conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee Report.
Minutes: Update Report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application.
Gareth Gwynne (Planning Officer) gave a presentation on the application, explaining the site in the context of the surrounding area. No representations had been received in response to the local consultation. The main planning issues for consideration concerned: the land use, design, the housing and affordable housing mix, the issues around the unlisted gasworks, impact on amenity, the new amenity space and the planning obligations. Mr Gwynne addressed these issues and it was considered that the scheme was acceptable on these grounds without any undue impact.
In response to Members, it was confirmed that the scheme would be subject to the operation of the Council’s permit transfer scheme. There would be parking spaces in the basement of the proposed development to accommodate these occupant’s vehicles. It was confirmed that the proposed D1 units could be used for community uses. The education contributions would be pooled in accordance with the normal process and allocated based on need. Schemes coming forward for the wider site could include plans for a new school in accordance with the site designations in the Council’s Core Strategy.
A Member questioned whether a free cash point could be provided as part of the scheme. Officers suggested that an informative could be added to the application to reflect this request.
On a unanimous vote, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission (PA/13/03053) Former Glaucus Works (also known as Leven Wharf), Leven Road, E14 0LP be GRANTED for the demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of site to provide a part 6, part 9 storey mixed use building with basement parking to provide 291sqm of commercial space (A1/A2/A3/A4, B1(a), D1 Use Classes) together with 126 residential units with associated landscaping, children's play facilities and public riverside walkwaySubject to:
2. Any direction by The London Mayor.
3. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the Committee report.
4. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to negotiate and complete the legal agreement indicated above acting within normal delegated authority.
5. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to impose conditions and informatives on the planning permission to secure the matters set out in the Committee report and as amended in the update report.
6. Any other conditions(s)/ informatives considered necessary by the Corporate Director Development & Renewal.
7. That, if within 3 months of the date of this committee the legal agreement has not been completed, the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to refuse planning permission. |
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Archway House, 1 Muirfield Crescent and 47 Millharbour, London, E14 9SZ (PA/14/00604) PDF 423 KB Proposal:
Application under S73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for a minor material amendment to Planning Permission PA/13/00803, dated 13/12/2013 for a variation to condition 2 to allow substitute plans for the following amendments:
· Infilling of part of the first floor, to provide an additional 400sqm (Gross Internal Area) within the approved building envelope and a further 666sqm (Gross Internal Area) of covered plant area to the sixth floor; and
· a subsequent change in roof profile to accommodate plant equipment, from 30m to 32.1m maximum height.
Recommendation:
To GRANT planning permission subject to a Deed of Variation to the legal agreement, conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee Report. Minutes: This item was deferred for consideration at the next meeting of Committee on 14th August 2014 due to time constraints. |
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