Agenda item
27 Commercial Road and 29-37 Whitechurch Lane, London E1 1LD (PA/13/02338)
Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and creation of a development, of a part 19/ part 21 storey hotel, comprising 269 bedrooms and associated bar and restaurant facilities, with one disabled parking space (on site), 24 cycle parking spaces at basement and ground level and a service/drop off bay off Whitechurch Lane.
Recommendation: To GRANT planning permission subject to any direction by the London Mayor. prior completion of a legal agreement, conditions and informative(s)
Minutes:
Update Report tabled.
Note: Councillors Peter Golds and Marc Francis did not vote on this item having arrived after the introduction of the application.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the item at 27 Commercial Road and 29-37 Whitechurch Lane, London E1 1LD.
Tim Ross (Planning Officer) presented the report. The Committee were advised of the site location, the surrounds, the floor layouts, the design, the proposed elevations, the coach parking and servicing and the views of the proposal from prominent points. Members also noted the scope and outcome of the local consultation and the matters raised as set out in the Committee report and the update report.
Mr Ross explained the planning matters for consideration. It was considered that the proposed hotel use at this site was acceptable in view of the site designation given the expected benefits of the scheme. The height and design responded well to the surrounding area with no harm to the setting of surrounding assets. The s106 complied with policy and there was public realm improvements. The site had good transport links.
Members were advised of the impact on daylight and sunlight to the surrounding properties most affected by the proposal. On balance, it was considered that the daylight and sunlight impacts were acceptable given the overall benefits of the scheme and that the units should generally continue to receive adequate levels of light.
Members asked a number of questions. In response, it was noted that Transport for London (TFL) were satisfied with the proposals subject to the conditions and there was also a Transport Management Plan. Officers noted the comments of TFL about access for twelve metre coaches. It was considered that, due to the anticipated infrequencies of such visits, that this should not cause any problems. Officers also explained, in further detail, the daylight impacts when assessed by the various standards.
Members asked about the impact on privacy on 34-38 Whitechurch Lane given the separation distances. Member questioned the steps taken to minimise this. Officers agreed to add a condition to the application to mitigate any overlooking issues at the lower floors from the proposal.
In response to further questions, Officers referred to the letters of support as set out in the Committee report and the update that considered that the plans would have a positive impact on the local economy. The Chair asked if these were standard letters (proforma letters). The Chair requested that this should be specified in the Committee Report.
It was confirmed that there was no evidence to suggest that a hotel use would cause anti-social behaviour (ASB). The active frontage should in fact improve natural surveillance and help address ASB. Officers also outlined the scope of the applicant’s consultation exercise. All properties tested in terms of amenity impact would have been notified by the Council about the application.
On a vote of 4 in favour, 0 against and 3 abstentions the Committee RESOLVED:
That planning permission at 27 Commercial Road and 29-37 Whitechurch Lane, London E1 1LD (PA/13/02338) be GRANTED for the demolition of existing buildings and creation of a development, of a part 19/ part 21 storey hotel, comprising 269 bedrooms and associated bar and restaurant facilities, with one disabled parking space (on site), 24 cycle parking spaces at basement and ground level and a service/drop off bay off Whitechurch Lane subject to:
Any direction by the London Mayor.
The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the committee report.
That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal and the Service Head (Legal Services) are delegated power to negotiate and complete the legal agreement indicated above acting within normal delegated authority.
That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to impose on the planning permission the conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out in the committee report.
The meeting ended at 8.15 p.m.
Supporting documents: