Agenda item
Keeling House, Claredale Street E2
Decision:
On a vote of 4 for and 0 against with 1 abstention the Committee RESOLVED
That listed building consent for the following matters be GRANTED subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report.
- Request to extend the time to implement of listed building consent PA/02/01618A dated 28th April 2005 for 'Conversion of redundant water tank on top of block into a maisonette. Works include extension of stair tower to serve new unit; reinstatement of concrete flue; inserting floors, partition walls and glazing into existing structures' to allow a longer period for implementation.
- Request to extend the time to implement of planning permission PA/02/01617 dated 28th April 2005 for 'Change of use of disused water tank enclosure to maisonette. Development to include extension of stair tower and insertion of glazing to tank structure' to allow a longer period for implementation
Minutes:
Mr Pete Smith (Development Control Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application regarding Keeling House, Claredale Street.
The Chair invited statements from persons who had previously registered to address the Committee.
Mr Ben Rogers spoke in objection to the application. He considered that he was speaking on behalf of the residents of Keeling house. Their view that this application was materially different from the 2005 approved application. It would adversely affect the character and the identity of the building. The conversion would erode its architectural quality. English Heritage agreed with this.
Keeling House made an important contribution to the conservation area and building on the roof of it would have a major impact. There would be overlooking and a loss of privacy from the additional windows. The extension to the stairwell would block valuable daylight. The technical report did not show the major problems. Therefore he recommended that the application be refused.
Councillor Carlos Gibbs also spoke in objection. He considered that he had been approached by concerned residents. The extension of the stairwell, which was in effect a 2ft wall, would restrict daylight to existing properties, privacy and enjoyment of properties. When it was originally approved it was not in a Conservation Area but now was. He did not accept the view that Keeling House was not one of the main reasons it was designated such an area.
He urged the Committee to take note of the comments of English Heritage and the buildings importance to the Conservation Area. The proposals did nothing to address the housing shortage and did not add anything to the community.
Mr Brian Heron spoke in favour as the architect and resident of the property. He explained the reasons for the time extension. It was not a new application and was exactly the same as the one approved and granted in 2005. He had submitted before and after plans showing that the architectural value of the building would be preserved and enhanced. The scheme included privacy measures to restrict overlooking and protect privacy. These measures were considered acceptable in 2005 and there had been no changes. He summarised the merits of the scheme and requested it be approved.
Ms Ila Robertson (Applications Manager, Development and Renewal) presented the detailed report. It was explained that the planning permission and listed building consent had already been granted. The purpose of this was to grant an extension of time to enable a longer time for implementation. The application had been subjected to statutory public consultation. The main issues related to loss of amenity, heritage issues impact on the Conservation Area and design and appearance.
In terms of amenity, the application included significant measures to protect amenity. The application was considered acceptable and granted in 2005 and there had been no material changes since then.
In terms of policy issues, the site had been designated a Conservation Area since 2005. The Council had also adopted new planning policy and national planning guidance had changed from PP15 to PPS5. However it was not considered that these issues justified a different decision.
The Planning Inspectorate had considered the concerns around the design of the stairwell but felt that it would preserve the architectural features of the house. Additionally, English Heritage had not raised any objection byt directed the Council to determine as it saw fit.
Overall it was considered that the proposal would preserve the building’s historical significance, the Conservation Area, complied with policy and therefore should be granted.
The Committee considered before and after images showing the implications of the scheme.
In reply Members raised the following issues -
- That the views of English Heritage be clarified.
- Queried the nature of the proposal. Whether the Committee should consider it as a fresh application or a time extension.
- Reasons for the request.
- Location of the new flats replacing Bradley and Connett houses (Paragraph 8.8 of the report).
Officer addressed each of the Committee points. In particular they reported -
- That English Heritage had given the Council authorisation to determine the application as they sought fit. The Council could not make a decision without this.
- The Government guidance suggested that, in considering applications for a time extension, the Committee should focus on whether there had been any material changes since the application had already been approved in principle.
- The reason the scheme had not been implemented was due to a change in ownership
- The building at this site was the Claredale development
In summary the Committee considered that there had been no real material changes since the 2005 consent therefore the application should be granted.
On a vote of 4 for and 0 against with 1 abstention the Committee RESOLVED
That listed building consent and planning permission for the following matters be GRANTED subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report.
- Request to extend the time to implement of listed building consent PA/02/01618A dated 28th April 2005 for 'Conversion of redundant water tank on top of block into a maisonette. Works include extension of stair tower to serve new unit; reinstatement of concrete flue; inserting floors, partition walls and glazing into existing structures' to allow a longer period for implementation.
- Request to extend the time to implement of planning permission PA/02/01617 dated 28th April 2005 for 'Change of use of disused water tank enclosure to maisonette. Development to include extension of stair tower and insertion of glazing to tank structure' to allow a longer period for implementation
Supporting documents: