Agenda item
The Watermans Arms Public House, 1 Glenaffric Avenue, London, (PA/11/00998)
Decision:
Update Report tabled.
On a unanimous vote the Committee RESOLVED
That planning permission be REFUSED for change of use of the upper 1st and 2nd floors of The Watermans Arms from ancillary public house accommodation (Use Class A4) to a backpackers' hostel accommodation (Sui Generis), comprising 8no. dormitories with a total of 83no beds for the reasons set out in the circulated report.
Minutes:
Pete Smith, (Development Control Manager) introduced the report and tabled update report concerning the Watermans Arms Public House, 1 Glenaffric Avenue, London.
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the meeting.
Sandra Island spoke in objection to the application. The application breached policy on many counts. Residents were pleased at the recommendation to refuse. The scheme with its 24 hour opening times was totally unsuitable in this quiet residential area. There would be late night noise nuisance disturbing residents peace. For example there would be people smoking and drinking alcohol from cans late at night outside and dumped rubbish. The bar doors would be open. This was a safe area but not any more due to this. The boundaries of the premises lead directly onto a narrow strip of pavement adjacent to private housing. Therefore, there would be overcrowding and inadequate living space. The fire escape plans were poor and the waste storage facilities inadequate. The site wasn’t in a designated town centre area. The application should be refused in accordance with the Officer’s report.
Ben Stackhouse spoke in support of the application. Steps had been taken to engage with residents to address the contentious issues. The Applicant had also requested a noise statement from the Council to prove no complaints about noise had been made since they took over the premises a year ago. They did apply for a certificate of lawful development and had gone through the proper channels in consultation with the Council. A number of the customers lived close by and they had not made any complaints. Many purchased coffee from the premises rather than alcohol. The capacity on opening was 60 bed spaces and this would be increased to 83 under the application. This was the maximum that could be provided. Mr Stackhouse praised the quality of the accommodation. It compared favourable to similar establishments as demonstrated by customer feedback and tourist guides. A further selling point was its close proximity to Greenwich. It attracted many customers, over 6,000 to date, with no complaints.
Ila Robertson (Planning Applications Manager) made a detailed presentation of the report and update. She explained the location, residential in nature and the views from the surrounding area. The application was subject to a public consultation generating 6 objecting letters and a petition with 40 signatures. There was also representations in support. Ms Robertson explained the recommendation to refuse. The scheme contradicted policy, would have an unacceptable impact on amenity and would result in overdevelopment given the number of bedspaces. The refuse storage plans were also not acceptable.
In response, the Committee sympathised with the concerns. In particularly
the objections regarding fire safety given the age of the building and the number of guests. Members noted the process for dealing with fire issues, dealt with by Building Control and Fire Services.
On a unanimous vote the Committee RESOLVED
That planning permission be REFUSED for change of use of the upper 1st and 2nd floors of The Watermans Arms from ancillary public house accommodation (Use Class A4) to a backpackers' hostel accommodation (Sui Generis), comprising 8no. dormitories with a total of 83no beds for the reasons set out in the circulated report.
Supporting documents: