Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: The Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG
Contact: Brian Bell, Clerk to Strategic Development Tel: 020 7364 4878, E-mail: brian.bell@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: Mr Brian Bell reported that no apologies had been received. It was noted that Councillor Julia Mainwaring had resigned from the Strategic Development Committee at the meeting of the Council held on 1st March 2006 following a Review of Proportionality. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 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.
Minutes: No declarations of interest were made. |
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To confirm a correct record of the meeting of the Strategic Development Committee held on 16th February 2006. Minutes: RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 16th February 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair. |
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The committee may agree to receive deputations. Minutes: It was agreed to allow Councillor Alan Amos to speak against the proposed development at item 5.1. |
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DETERMINATION |
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Minutes: Mr Stephen Irvine (Strategic Applications Manager) introduced the report which assessed an application to construct one building of 40 storeys, one building of 27 storeys and two buildings of eight storeys to provide 691 dwellings, and a total of 3,107sq.m of retail (A1, A2, A3), Office (B1) and Community Uses (D1) at lower ground, ground and level 1, 6636sq.m plant, public spaces and parking.
Objections had been made to the application on the grounds of the land use; the scale and mass; the density; the design; the impact on infrastructure; the loss of amenity space; and the loss of light and adverse impact on the neighbouring public house.
In accordance with the Council’s procedure for hearing objections, Councillor Alan Amos spoke against the proposal on the grounds that the density of the development would be too high; it would be out of keeping with the area; it would increase levels of anti-social behaviour; and it had insufficient provision for car parking. Mr Steven Brown, a representative of the applicant GVA Grimley, spoke in favour of the application, and in response to the objections raised, stated that in the context of the Canary Wharf development the application was in keeping with the surrounding area. The amount of open space and children’s play space had been increased and the applicant would be willing to consider the use of the community space for a youth facility. There would only be a 5% loss of light to the public house, which was not a material consideration. A landscaping scheme had yet to be submitted for approval.
In response to Members’ concerns, Mr Irvine detailed the studies and risk assessments which had taken place. Tests on the microclimate had been carried out, in addition to a flood risk assessment by the Environment Agency. The Committee was advised that the proposed development had been the subject of an Environmental Impact Study, which had been satisfactory and it would also create employment. The Greater London Authority (GLA) had also approved the scheme. The amount of affordable housing included in the scheme had also caused concern. Mr Irvine advised the Committee that the applicant had undertaken an independent appraisal, in respect of the affordable housing provision, which had shown the amount included in the scheme, based on the total number of units, to be sufficient. In addition, the amount of amenity space included was in line with strategic planning guidance. It was the view of officers that the proposed development was reasonable. Mr Irvine also detailed the Heads of Terms of the Section 106 legal agreement, to secure financial contributions for a number of improvements to local transport, highways, education, healthcare, landscaping and open space.
The Committee adjourned for a short break between 8.50pm and 9.00pm.
On a recorded vote – Councillors Rofique Udin Ahmed, David Edgar and Abdul Asad voted in favour of the officers’ recommendation and Councillors Janet Ludlow, Martin Rew and Julian Sharpe voted against the officers’ recommendation. The Chair used his casting vote and ... view the full minutes text for item 5.1 |