Agenda item
Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LS (PA/14/1577 and PA/14/1578)
Proposal:
Full planning permission
Various works to the Toynbee Hall Estate including the following, • Internal alterations to the listed Toynbee Hall and removal / replacement of extensions to the rear and side • Provision of a new five storey (with set back top floor and basement) office block at 36 Commercial Street • Reconfiguration and re-landscaping of Mallon Gardens • Two storey (with set back top floor) roof extension to Profumo House along with ground level infill extensions and change of use of existing HMO units to office space. • Partial demolition and rebuilding of the southern end of Attlee House
Listed building consent
Various works to the Toynbee Hall Estate including the following, • Internal alterations to the listed Toynbee Hall and removal / replacement of extensions to the rear and side
Recommendation:
To grant planning permission and listed building consent subject to a legal agreements, conditions and informatives.
Minutes:
Update Report tabled.
Councillor Shiria Khatun left the meeting for the consideration of this item only.
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application.The Chair invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
Two objectors spoke against the scheme, Michael Hodgkinson of 38 Commercial Street and Mike Nicholas. They expressed concern about the excessive height of the Commercial Street office building that would result in a loss of privacy and overlooking to neighbours. The proposal would also block light to nearby properties. To minimise the impact on neighbouring amenity, they requested that the building should be reduced in height by reducing the height of the floors. There should also be no use of terraces and windows at the upper levels of the building should be closed.
The speakers also objected to the loss of the green space and trees, as a result of the land swap between Toynbee Hall and LBTH. This was contrary to Council policy to protect such spaces. There was a great deal of support for the space.
It was also likely that the proposal would increase anti-social behaviour on the forecourt given the lack of gates.
The Committee heard from the applicant’s agent, Graham Fisher. The plans sought to provide modern ‘fit for purpose’ facilities to meet the increasing demand on services. He listed the nature of the facilities and services that would be provided. It was planned to use the income from the upper floors of the Commercial Street building to fund the legal centre for the first year. The application also sought to provide a new public space with a range of benefits. The feedback from the consultation had been taken onto account when preparing the plans. In response to Councillor’s questions, Mr Fisher considered that any proposal to reduce the height of the Commercial Street building would put at risk the viability of the scheme. The raising of the forecourt to pavement level should reduce crime by increasing the visibility of this area. There had been many consultation meetings over recent years.
Beth Eite, (Planning Officer) presented the report and the update. She explained the site location, the listed status of Toynbee Hall and its historic significance. She also explained the plans for each building and the nature of the reconfiguration of Mallon Gardens. The application had been subject to local consultation resulting in 38 objections and an online petition. It was considered that the plans should improve the safety and accessibility of the park following engagement with the Secure by Design Officer. The improvements and options considered here were explained. There would be no net loss of public open space. The height of the new office building had been reduced and aspects were set back. The impact on sunlight and daylight from the proposals generally complied with policy. Overall, the impact on surrounding properties would be minimal. Given the merits of the scheme, Officers were recommending that the scheme be granted planning permission.
In response to questions about the Commercial Street building, it was confirmed that the building should have no undue impact on privacy or overlooking given the position of windows. So, it was not considered that it would be necessary to impose any additional measures to protect amenity. It was not uncommon for offices and residential uses to exist side by side in this part of London and these uses were seen as compatible. Officers wouldn’t encourage a condition that required windows to be sealed closed because this would prevent cross ventilation which is desirable.
The proposed 'land swap' would be subject to a separate Council Executive decision. The scheme could not be carried without this and a condition would secure the implementation of the proposed open space.
On a vote of 5 in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission (PA/14/1577) at Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LS be GRANTED for various works to the Toynbee Hall Estate including the following: internal alterations to the listed Toynbee Hall and removal / replacement of extensions to the rear and side, provision of a new five storey (with set back top floor and basement) office block at 36 Commercial Street, reconfiguration and re-landscaping of Mallon Gardens, two storey (with set back top floor) roof extension to Profumo House along with ground level infill extensions and change of use of existing HMO units to office space, partial demolition and rebuilding of the southern end of Attlee House
Subject to:
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations, conditions and informatives set out in the Committee report and the amendment in the update report regarding the restriction of permanent occupation of the flats within Toynbee Hall.
On a vote of 5 in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention, the Committee RESOLVED:
3. That listed building consent (PA/14/1578) at Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LS be GRANTED for various works to the Toynbee Hall Estate as set out above subject to the conditions set out in the Committee report
Supporting documents: