Agenda item
28 Ensign Street, London (PA/13/03068)
Proposal:
Demolition of existing building and erection of a new part 4, 6 and 15 storey building (ground plus 14 storeys) to provide 65 residential units (Use Class C3); flexible commercial use of part of the ground floor for either Class A1/A2/B1 use; and other landscaping and highways works incidental to the application (amended application).
Recommendation:
To GRANT planning permission subject to any direction by the London Mayor, prior completion of a legal agreement, conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee Report.
Minutes:
Update Report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application and the update report.
Adam Williams (Planning Officer) gave a presentation on the scheme explaining the site location, the proximity to the Conservation Area, the existing use, the points raised in support and objection during the local consultation. The site lay in the Central Activities Zone location that supported this type of scheme on the site. The proposed land use complied with policy. The scheme would deliver affordable housing, assessed by the independent viability testing as the maximum that could be secured. The height (as amended following consultation) and appearance responded well to the surrounding area with features to secure this. There were measures, such as privacy screening, to protect amenity in view of the separation distances. Whilst there would be some impact on amenity given the urban setting, this did not warrant refusal. A construction management plan would be secured as a condition to take into account the collective impact of construction works from other developments in the area. Contributions had been secured in line with policy although the full contribution requested by TFL towards the cycle hire scheme was not viable and a reduced amount was recommended. The scheme would be car free.
In response to questions, it could be requested that a minimum of seven wheelchair adaptable units were delivered.
The crossing would be provided as part of the London Dock scheme, prior to the opening of the new secondary school, which would improve pedestrian safety and movement in the surrounding area.
It was confirmed that the family affordable houses would have separate living and dining areas. There would be measures to prevent conflict between construction activity and school opening hours and the free flow of the highway.
On a unanimous vote, the Committee agreed to amend the hours of construction to start at 09:00 Saturday to minimise disruption to residents in view of the proximity of the proposal to residential properties.
On a vote of 7 in favour and 1 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission (PA/13/03068) at 28 Ensign Street, London (PA/13/03068) be GRANTED for the demolition of existing building and erection of a new part 4, 6 and 14 storey building, (ground plus 14 storeys) to provide 65 residential units (Use Class C3); flexible commercial use of part of the ground floor for either Class A1/A2/B1 use; and other landscaping and highways works incidental to the application (amended application) Subject to:
2. Any direction/call-in by The London Mayor.
3. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the report.
4. 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.
5. 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 and the amendment agreed at the meeting that the hours of construction be amendment to start at 09:00 Saturday.
Supporting documents: