Agenda item
King Henrys Wharf, Phoenix Wharf, Swan Wharf and Corner of Wapping High Street And Brewhouse Lane, London (PA/13/00982 & PA/13/00983)
- Meeting of Moved from 14th November 2013, Development Committee, Tuesday, 26th November, 2013 7.00 p.m. (Item 6.2)
- View the background to item 6.2
Proposal: Change of use of the existing wharf buildings (King Henry's Wharf and Phoenix Wharf) to provide 35 residential units, the creation of a new three-storey dwellinghouse (on land formerly occupied by Swan Wharf), and the erection of new five storey building (on land on the north-western corner of the junction of Wapping High St and Brewhouse Lane) to provide 18 affordable units.
Recommendation: GRANTplanning permission and Listed building subject to a legal agreement, conditions and informatives.
Minutes:
Update Report tabled.
Jerry Bell (Applications Team Leader, Development and Renewal) introduced the item regarding King Henrys Wharf, Phoenix Wharf, Swan Wharf and Corner of Wapping High Street and Brewhouse Lane, London for the change of use of the existing wharf buildings (King Henry's Wharf and Phoenix Wharf) to provide 35 residential units, the creation of a new three-storey dwelling house (on land formerly occupied by Swan Wharf), and the erection of new five storey building (on land on the north-western corner of the junction of Wapping High St and Brewhouse Lane) to provide 18 affordable units.
The Chair invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
Nicholas Lightbown spoke in objection to the scheme. He broadly supported the redevelopment of the site but had a number of concerns. He considered that the affordable housing element should mirror surrounding buildings including the adjacent New (and ‘Old’) Tower Building. However, the appearance of the current proposal contrasted with the neighbouring buildings and would detract from the setting of the Conservation Area. He highlighted examples of alternative designs that were more in keeping with the area.
Sarah North also spoke in opposition to the scheme. She objected to the appearance of the proposed building on Brewhouse Lane on the setting of the Conservation area. The materials were out of keeping. She objected to the impact on parking stress (as the scheme would be car free) given the limited number of on street parking spaces. There would also be undue pressure on local services from the increase in population. The proposal at the Landside site would also impact on light to surrounding properties.
She expressed concern about the impact from the construction process, particular the proposed re-routing of the bus services that would cause great inconvenience to passengers.
She also expressed concern about overdevelopment of the area given the number of recent planning consents in the Wapping area. Ms North questioned the scope of the local consultation, as some of the neighbours had not been consulted
Joe Cunnane spoke in support of the scheme. He addressed each objection. He reminded the Committee that the scheme would be car free and there would be contributions for health and education. The amenity impact complied with policy, as shown by the expert assessments. He also explained the proposal to improve the highway and the junction under the s106. He outlined the scope of the consultation that complied with the relevant requirements. There were notification letters to residents and exhibition events. In response to Members, he clarified the scope and benefits of the highway improvements –to reallocate land to the public highway from the application site to make it safer and facilitate pedestrian use.
Rex Wilkinson spoke in support as the architect for the scheme. He described the proposed material, that were mainly London stock brick which sought to comply with the more traditional elements of the Conservation Area.
Richard Murrell (Planning Officer) presented the detailed report and the update. Mr Murrell explained the site and surrounds. He described in detail the proposal for planning and listing building consent including the housing and affordable housing offer. He explained the lack of demand for the existing employment space and the merits of the proposed residential use in view of viability. He also explained the design and the minimal changes to the appearance of the existing buildings. Overall, Officers considered that the proposal would fit conformable with the setting of the Conservation Area and that the plans would preserve the historic features of the existing buildings. Mr Murrell also explained the proposed highway improvements to facilitate access. The amenity impacts were acceptable on balance. The s106 complied with policy.
In response to questions, Officers confirmed the benefits of prioritising affordable housing in this case in view of the demand for such housing in the Borough. Mr Murrell also confirmed the need for the tenures to be separated in view of the site constraints of the listed buildings and to maximise viability. It was also reported that the registered providers preferred to have affordable housing with a separate core. Officers were satisfied with the concrete slab floors within the development taking into account the comments from the various conservation specialists. It was considered that the floor structures, on balance, offered the best means of securing the insulation required with the least amount of intervention.
It was also explained that the sunlight impacts to the neighbouring properties would mainly affect the windows at the ground floor. However it was felt that overall the light levels that the rooms would continue to receive was adequate. The the separation distances between the proposal was acceptable.
Some concern was expressed about the proposed rerouting of the bus routes as this could cause many problems for the users. Alternatives to this should be considered.
Accordingly, Councillor Denise Jones requested that Officers ensure the Construction Management Plan takes all reasonable steps to minimise disruption to residents, particularly in relation to any diversion of the bus route. Officers undertook to do this.
On a vote of 6 in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission and Listed building consent (PA/13/00982 & PA/13/00983) for King Henrys Wharf, Phoenix Wharf, Swan Wharf and Corner of Wapping High Street And Brewhouse Lane, London be GRANTED for the change of use of the existing wharf buildings (King Henry's Wharf and Phoenix Wharf) to provide 35 residential units, the creation of a new three-storey dwellinghouse (on land formerly occupied by Swan Wharf), and the erection of new five storey building (on land on the north-western corner of the junction of Wapping High St and Brewhouse Lane) to provide 18 affordable units subject to:
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the committee report.
3. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to negotiate the legal agreement indicated above
4. 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 committee report.
5. That, if within 3-months of the date of this committee the legal agreement has not been completed, the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to refuse planning permission.
Supporting documents:
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Committee Report - PA 13 0098200983 Wapping High Street, item 6.2
PDF 766 KB
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Map Kings, item 6.2
PDF 794 KB