Agenda item
Royal Tower Lodge, 40 Cartwright Street, London E1 8LX (PA/12/02235)
Decision:
Update report tabled
On a vote of 3 in favour and 2 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
That planning permission PA/12/02235 at Royal Tower Lodge, 40 Cartwright Street, London E1 8LX be GRANTED for the erection of two additional floors on existing building to provide 9 self-contained flats (7 x 2 bedroom, 1 x 3 bedroom flat and 1 x 1 bedroom flats) plus communal amenity space at roof top level subject to the conditions and in formatives set out in the report.
Minutes:
Update report tabled
Mr Bell introduced the report regarding Royal Tower Lodge 40 Cartwright Street for the addition of two floors on the existing building.
The Chair then invited the registered speakers to address the Committee.
Rowland Jacks spoke in objection. He stated that he was one of 60 residents of the existing building. He objected to the plans to build on the roof. He especially objected to the actions of the freeholder, in making this application. They did not inform the residents and submitted the first application during the Olympic period at an inconvenient time. There was no need for the additional units; they would be penthouses not suitable for families. There were also cracks in the existing building and this could worsen this. This was also incremental development as the plans were for 9 units just under the 10 required in policy for affordable housing provision. If approved there was little confidence that the applicant would adhere to the conditions.
Charles Moran addressed the committee as the applicant’s architect. He pointed out that the applicant was St James Development (UK) Ltd and had a proven track record in delivering similar developments. They had no connection with Consensus Business Group mentioned by Mr Jacks. The applicant had carried out extensive consultation for over a year with the Council’s Planning Officers and also residents. He referred to the concerns with the previous scheme. As a result the scheme had been amended to overcome the issues. In terms of the consultation, the applicant had held an open forum in March 2012 and a conference in a hotel where they made a presentation. Only 9 of the residents of the existing building attended this.
Members asked about the impact from construction dust on the residents below, for example on balconies and windows, and how this would be prevented to stop any health impacts. Mr Moran responded that it was planned to carry out most of the construction off site. Most of the material would be dry with minimal dust, for example timber framing. It was planned to complete the works as soon as possible.
Angelina Eke (Planning Officer)presented the detailed report. She explained in detail the proposal including the site location, character of the area, proposed floor layout, the materials, the improvements in refuse and servicing and increase in cycling provision. Overall it was considered that the scheme was acceptable with no adverse impact on the main building. In terms of the health impacts, it was possible to require a construction management plan to make certain there was no impact on residents.
In response to Members about sunlight, Officers highlighted the correction in the update regarding paragraph 8.29 of the main report. It stated that the paragraph should read that there would be no undue detrimental impacts on the amenity of adjoining residents (in terms of sunlight and day light). Members were satisfied with this answer.
Questions were raised about the family units, particularly whether more could be provided. Officers emphasised the limitations of the site in this regard due to the site constraints. Particularly the lack of child play space at the site to provide further family units. The policy stated that such housing should be discouraged in unsuitable places.
On a vote of 3 in favour and 2 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
That planning permission PA/12/02235 at Royal Tower Lodge, 40 Cartwright Street, London E1 8LX be GRANTED for the erection of two additional floors on existing building to provide 9 self-contained flats (7 x 2 bedroom, 1 x 3 bedroom flat and 1 x 1 bedroom flats) plus communal amenity space at roof top level subject to the conditions and in formatives set out in the report.
At the conclusion of this item, the Chair raised the issue of incremental development in relation to social housing.
In response, Officers referred to emerging Council policy to address this that should come into affect soon.
Supporting documents: