Agenda item
Old Poplar Baths and rear ball court, East India Dock Road & Lawless Street, London E14 0EH (PA/13/01432)
Decision:
Update Report tabled.
On a vote of 3 in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission (PA/13/01432) at Old Poplar Baths and rear ball court, East India Dock Road & Lawless Street, London E14 0EH be GRANTED for demolition of existing garages and ball court and erection of 10 storey residential block to provide 60 affordable housing units; internal and external alterations and refurbishment to Poplar Baths to reinstate the main pool and create a new learner pool; demolition of chimney and associated ancillary works to provide indoor wet and dry sports and leisure facilities, roof top games area plus ancillary landscaping and vehicular parking, subject to
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) within three months of the date of this resolution, to secure the planning obligations and non-financial obligations as set out in the Committee report.
3. That the Corporate Director, Development & Renewal and Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) is delegated authority to negotiate and approve the legal agreement indicated above.
4. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out in the report.
Minutes:
Update Report tabled.
Jerry Bell (Applications Team Leader, Development and Renewal) introduced the item regarding Old Poplar Baths and rear ball court for the for the demolition of existing garages and ball court and erection of 10 storey residential block to provide 60 affordable housing units; internal and external alterations and refurbishment to Poplar Baths.
The Chair invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
Paul Holliday spoke in objection to the residential block, as a resident of the area. There would be a loss of car parking space and garages and an increase in cars from the development. Whilst the residential scheme would be car free, he had been told by Council Officers that this could not be applied to 2-3 bed units. He objected to the loss of the existing open space and the height of the block that would be twice as high as the existing residential buildings. This would cause a loss of light, views and privacy and would set a dangerous precedent. Furthermore, construction work had already begun on site.
Lilian Collins spoke in support of the proposal as the Chair of the Poplar Baths Steering Group. The group had worked hard to have the baths re-opened and there had been numerous campaigns over the years. She highlighted the proposed new facilities that would bring this much loved centre back into use for local children whilst retaining the valuable features. The area was overpopulated, therefore there was a real need for these facilities. It would have a positive impact on the health of the community.
With the agreement of the Chair, it was agreed that the presentations on this item and item 8.1 - the listed building consent for the works to the Poplar Baths (PA/13/01432) would be considered together. However the Committee would vote on the items separately.
Paul Buckenham (Planning Officer) presented the application which was a Council led initiative. He explained the plans for the Poplar Baths including the site location and the outcome of the local consultation. None of the objections related to this part of the scheme. He explained the works to refurbish the listed building whilst retaining the important features. The main interventions were to the south and eastern section of the building that was of less architectural merit. Much of the second class baths, the chimney and water tanks were to be demolished. In its place would be the roof top multi use games area (MUGA) that would be built in a style that was in keeping with the listed building.
There would be free access to the roof top MUGA for residents of St Matthias Estate.
The conservation experts supported the scheme (English Heritage, the Borough Conservation Officer) as the plans would preserve the character of the listed building. Highways and Transport for London were supportive of the scheme, subject to the conditions.
The Committee also noted the proposed layout of the new facilities including two swimming pools, a sports hall, gym, fitness studios and a café.
Mr Buckenham also explained the plans for the residential block that had received 17 representations in favour and 4 against. There would be 60 affordable units all at the Council’s preferred rents with 45% family housing. Whilst there would be no dedicated under 5 child play space, it was planned to convert a nearby area of hard standing for such space. There were also a number of open spaces and parks in walking distance and the residents would have access to the new leisure facilities. The impact on neighbouring amenity was minimal. No objections had been raised to the loss of the garages from Highway Services. The existing tenants would be found alternative provision. The s106 had been considered by the Council’s Planning Contributions Overview Panel and it was considered that the contributions, that were reliant on subsidy, were appropriate to mitigate the scheme.
The Committee also heard from Ann Sutcliffe (Service Head Strategic Property, Development and Renewal) who reassured Members that the scheme was financially viable and that finance had been earmarked for the scheme. The Council’s Chief Finance Officer had assessed the scheme and had concluded that the scheme was viable as stated in the Cabinet reports on the subject.
In response to questions, it was reported that the area of hard standing did not have any formal use at present. It was considered that the density range could be accommodated given the good transport links, the sites proximity to the Town Centre and as that as the density was comparable to nearby developments. The scheme showed no signs of overdevelopment.
Whilst there would be some minor loss of light to properties at Woodhall Close, the properties affected were dual aspect and this mainly affected the non habitable rooms. As a result, the properties would continue to receive adequate levels of light and would also benefit from improved outlooks and more natural surveillance.
On a vote of 3 in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission (PA/13/01432) at Old Poplar Baths and rear ball court, East India Dock Road & Lawless Street, London E14 0EH be GRANTED for demolition of existing garages and ball court and erection of 10 storey residential block to provide 60 affordable housing units; internal and external alterations and refurbishment to Poplar Baths to reinstate the main pool and create a new learner pool; demolition of chimney and associated ancillary works to provide indoor wet and dry sports and leisure facilities, roof top games area plus ancillary landscaping and vehicular parking, subject to
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) within three months of the date of this resolution, to secure the planning obligations and non-financial obligations as set out in the Committee report.
3. That the Corporate Director, Development & Renewal and Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) is delegated authority to negotiate and approve the legal agreement indicated above.
4. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out in the report.
Supporting documents: