Agenda item
Land at North-west corner of Chapel House Street and Westferry Road, London, E14 (PA/11/01796)
Decision:
Councillor Helal Uddin left the meeting at 7:30pm.
Update Report Tabled.
On a vote of 2 in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions the Committee RESOLVED
1. That planning permission be GRANTED for the erection of three storey building to provide 8 self contained residential units (5 x 1 bed, 2 x 2 bed and 1 x 3 bed) together with cycle parking, private amenity space and improvements to existing public open space subject to the imposition of conditions and informatives.
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.
Minutes:
Update Report Tabled.
Councillor Helal Uddin left the meeting at 7:30pm.
Update Report Tabled.
Pete Smith (Development Control Manager, Planning Services) introduced the report concerning Land at North-west corner of Chapel House Street and Westferry Road, London, E14.
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the meeting.
Councillor Zara Davis spoke against the application. The scheme was out of keeping with the nearby Conservation Area. She considered it inappropriate to build a 3 storey building on its fringes given it was 2 storey in nature. It therefore undermined Council policy regarding the Conservation Area stressing the importance of its character and uniformity. Alongside this, the materials were out of keeping with the area. The design was poor. There would be overlooking and a loss of privacy to properties in Westferry Street and Chappell Street. The developers report showed that neighbouring properties would have much of their light blocked. There would be a loss of light to habitable rooms and a kitchen of nearby properties.
Members then asked questions of Councillor Davis. She considered that, whilst the site did not fall within the Conservation Area, any new development on its fringes should be respectful of its character. This scheme given its height was out of keeping with it. Other nearby developments had been sympathetic to the area.
Steve Inkpen (Applicant’ Agent) spoke in support of the application. The scheme complied with policy in terms of overlooking and loss of privacy. The scheme would provide high quality homes and help meet housing targets. There would be adequate amenity space. This included retaining the mature trees with the exception of one. However it was planned to replant this via condition. The scheme would also be sustainable, environmentally friendly and be car free. It would make best use of an underused site and improve the area.
Members then asked questions about the affordable housing percentage. In reply Mr Inkpen referred to the fact that this development was part of a wider regeneration project and that other developments would provide additional social housing. He considered that the scheme offered the best mix of housing due to the site constraints.
Benson Olaseni(Deputy Team Leader, Planning Services) presented the detailed report. He drew attention to the outcome of the consultation and the issues raised in representation. He explained the site and surrounding area including the plans regarding the trees. The main planning matters were land use, housing, design, amenity and transport impacts.
In terms of land use and amenity, the scheme was considered acceptable and complied with policy. The site had no current or historic designation as a formal child play area or a car park and was underused. It was also proposed to re - landscape the outdoor area.
The design and materials matched the area. The height of 3 stories fitted in with the area not exceeding surrounding heights.
In terms of daylight, whilst there would be some loss of light, the levels of light to neighbouring properties was considered acceptable. The design and distance between the buildings would protect privacy and prevent overlooking. There were also conditions controlling construction noise and a Section 106 agreement preventing future occupiers from applying for on street parking spaces.
In conclusion, the scheme would provide much needed housing and make best use of the site with no significant impact on the area
Members then asked questions about the impact on traffic and the receipt of representations from the Mosque opposite. Questions were also raised about the threshold for affordable housing, the density assessment and the weight that should be put on the nearby conservation area.
Mr Olaseni responded that Highways had considered the scheme and had concluded that there were no traffic implications. He also referred to the scope of the consultation that covered the Mosque. All representations received were listed in the report.
In terms of the density calculation, the lower figure in the report included the outdoor amenity area. It was important to take this amenity space into account when considering the scheme. Overall, it was considered that the density was acceptable given the positive benefits and lack of adverse impacts.
The scheme was one of a number of new developments in the area. It was anticipated that these schemes would provide additional social housing. The scheme would blend in well with the surrounding properties situated outside the conservation area. Therefore should be considered on these grounds.
On a vote of 2 in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions the Committee RESOLVED
1. That planning permission be GRANTED for the erection of three storey building to provide 8 self contained residential units (5 x 1 bed, 2 x 2 bed and 1 x 3 bed) together with cycle parking, private amenity space and improvements to existing public open space subject to the imposition of conditions and informatives.
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.
Supporting documents: