Agenda item
Former St. Luke's House and Church, 36 Strafford Street, London E14 PA/11/00475
Decision:
On a vote of 4 in favour and 1 against the Committee RESOLVED
1. That planning permission be GRANTED for the demolition of existing Church and Community Hall and erection of a new 3/4 storey building consisting of a church and Community Hall on first floor together with a training/meeting room on the ground floor with associated facilities; provision of 1 x 2 bed maisonette on the ground and first floors for parsonage use together with associated office; creation of seven residential units (1 x 2 bed maisonette (ground and first floors), 1 x 1 bed, 3 x 2 bed and 2 x 3 bed) for private housing; careful removal of the existing war memorial, refurbished and incorporated into the new building; Installation of a church spire at roof level together with the creation of brown roofs.
2. 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 circulated report.
3. Any other informative(s) considered necessary by the Corporate Director Development & Renewal.
Minutes:
Pete Smith, (Development Control Manager) introduced the report concerning Former St. Luke's House and Church, 36 Strafford Street.
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the meeting.
Peter Brouwer spoke in objection to the application as a local resident. He considered that there was a lack of consultation with residents. The consultation was carried out during the holiday period when many people were away. Also some could not access the internet. The drawings on the website were not clear and did not fully show the proposals. The previous scheme was bitterly opposed by residents. The building was incomplete with critical elements missing. It was still unclear how this would be addressed. There would be a loss of sunlight affecting the adjacent properties due to the large wall. There would be noise and parking issues. The latter could not effectively be managed during the weekend. The size and bulk was also inappropriate. There would also be construction inconvenience.
Councillor Zara Davis also spoke in objection. Whilst many residents supported the scheme in principle, this application had generated opposition due to its size and scale. A key concern was the impact on Strafford Friendship Club in terms of loss of light and overlooking. As a result use of the club would decrease. The club was a valuable community facility and should be protected. The scheme was also too large for the site and would be overbearing given it would be right on the boundary. She urged that a compromise be sought.
Brendon Phelan spoke in favour as the applicant’s agent. The Applicant had held meetings with the interested parities and had consulted the objectors, sending them the drawings of the scheme. He explained the improvements on the previous scheme including the reduction in height, provision of 7 housing units and boundary changes. The concerns had been overcome. He provided reassurances regarding day light levels which complied with policy. He explained the noise reduction steps. In reply to Members he explained the change to provide 7 residential units.
Reverent Tom Pyke also spoke in support. He referred to the Church’s promises to the community to provide leadership, valuable community and religious facilities for all. The proposals would enable this and the Church to operate in an efficient way. It had worked hard to consult the residents locally. The scheme was supported locally and nationally by key figures in the church and business and held up by such representatives as an example of good practice.
Ila Robertson (Planning Applications Manager) made a detailed presentation of the report and update. She addressed the remarks about the 2008 approved scheme. Whilst this was relevant, the Committee must consider this scheme on its own merits. She explained the differences in the two schemes in terms of size, residential provision, car parking, storage and size of community space. The application was subject to public consultation which exceeded the statutory requirements as reflected by the scale of responses. She addressed the main issues as set out in the circulated report. Overall it was a high quality scheme offering multi faith facilities for all. The application should be granted.
Members then debated the application. Remarks were made about the quality of the design and the operation of the car free agreement. Assurances were also sought about the impact on Strafford Friendship Club and 46 Strafford Street. In reply Ms Robertson explained the measures to prevent overlooking and protect the amenity of these properties considered acceptable.
On a vote of 4 in favour and 1 against the Committee RESOLVED
1. That planning permission be GRANTED for the demolition of existing Church and Community Hall and erection of a new 3/4 storey building consisting of a church and Community Hall on first floor together with a training/meeting room on the ground floor with associated facilities; provision of 1 x 2 bed maisonette on the ground and first floors for parsonage use together with associated office; creation of seven residential units (1 x 2 bed maisonette (ground and first floors), 1 x 1 bed, 3 x 2 bed and 2 x 3 bed) for private housing. The existing war memorial will be carefully removed, refurbished and incorporated into the new building. Installation of a church spire at roof level together with the creation of brown roofs.
2. 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 circulated report.
3. Any other informative(s) considered necessary by the Corporate Director Development & Renewal.
Supporting documents: