Agenda item
Second Floor, 18-22 Damien Street, London, E1 2HX
Decision:
On a vote of 6 for and 2 against, the Committee RESOLVED that it was minded to GRANT planning permission for the change of use of the second floor from a music studio complex (Use Class B1) to educational facilities (Use Class D1) but because that decision was against the recommendation any further consideration of the application was DEFERRED to enable a further report to be presented to the committee to advise them on the decision they have indicated that they are minded to take.
Minutes:
Mr Michael Kiely, Head of Development Decisions, introduced the site and proposal for planning permission for the change of use of the second floor from a music studio complex (Use Class B1) to educational facilities (Use Class D1) together with internal alterations.
Mr Kent Brainerd spoke in objection on the grounds that the applicant was claiming that increased capacity of the school was greatly needed, however the students of the existing school created noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour which would be exacerbated by the expansion of the school.
Ms Bishi Bhattacharya spoke in objection as a musician who regularly used Jamestown Studios, a very industrious facility which provided diversity to the neighbourhood, the closure of which would be disastrous for the numerous musicians, composers and producers who depended on it. The musicians also provided music tuition in several local schools.
Mr David Black and Mr Alan Wipperman spoke on behalf of the applicant, both in support of the scheme. Mr Black outlined the benefits of the scheme which would allow additional educational and community facilities to be provided, including language classes for women. Mr Wipperman advised that allowing the school’s capacity to increase would also enable the employment of an additional13 full-time staff.
Mr Stephen Irvine, Development Control Manager, presented a detailed report on the application, and advised that UDP policies supported both uses and therefore Members would need to balance the benefits of both. Officers were recommending refusal as the proposal would lead to the loss of a valuable resource which was not available elsewhere in the Borough, and also the loss of numerous specialist employment opportunities.
In response to a question concerning the applicant’s previous application which had been withdrawn following judicial review, Mr Irvine advised that new information on the benefits of the proposal had been provided by the applicant. However officers were still of the view that the existing use provided a unique facility for which there was no comparable provision.
Members of the Committee also asked questions in relation to the options for relocating Jamestown Studios, the views of the local community, and the implications of the loss of the facility. Mr Irvine advised that no alternative sites had been offered by the applicant, the loss of which would result in the loss of a locally significant music facility which provided valuable facilities for musicians and businesses in the Borough. The opinion of the local community had been mixed with a significant level of support and opposition.
Following the debate by the committee, Councillor Alibor Choudhury moved a motion to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Cllr Mohammed Shahid Ali and accepted by the Chair. Because that motion would be against the recommendation in the report, the usual procedure of the committee on the advice of the officers is to defer the vote on the new motion to grant permission so that officers could bring a further report to the committee advising upon the new proposal.
On a vote of 6 for and 2 against, the Committee RESOLVED that it was minded to GRANT planning permission for the change of use of the second floor from a music studio complex (Use Class B1) to educational facilities (Use Class D1) but because that decision was against the recommendation any further consideration of the application was DEFERRED to enable a further report to be presented to the committee to advise them on the decision they have indicated that they are minded to take.
Supporting documents: