Agenda item
144-146 Commercial Street, London, E1 6NU (PA/15/00044)
- Meeting of Development Committee, Wednesday, 8th July, 2015 5.30 p.m. (Item 8.1)
- View the background to item 8.1
Proposal:
A new single storey roof extension within the existing roof void to create a 1 x 1 bed residential unit; Construction of four storey rear extension to facilitate
new stair case; Reconfiguration of window arrangement at the rear; Refurbishment of the front façade; Installation of a green roof.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions in the Committee report
Minutes:
Paul Buckenham (Development Control Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the proposal. By way of context, it was explained that the application was considered at the May 2015 meeting of the Committee and deferred for a site visit. However, given the membership changes at the Annual Council meeting and the unavailability of Members from the May meeting to bring the item back as a deferred item, it had been necessary to bring the application back afresh to avoid a delay in determining the application.
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
David Donahue spoke in objection to the proposal representing the adjacent Commercial Tavern public house. He objected to the impact of the proposal on the tavern given it was a stunning asset for the area and its historic importance. In particular, he objected to the impact on the roof line of the tavern and the height difference between the development and the tavern. The images failed to accurately show this. He also expressed concerns about the affordable of the residential units and the displacement of the existing occupants within the development.
Stuart Eaves (Applicant’s Agent) spoke in support of the proposal. He confirmed that the scheme had been amended to minimise the impact on the tavern in consultation with Officers. For example, the height of the building had been reduced and the stairwell altered. The materials would be sympathetic to the host building and the surrounding area. The ground floor use would be retained and improved in compliance with the London Plan. Additional images had been supplied to show the full impact of the development including sky and street views. This showed that the impact would be minimal in this regard. In response to a question about the green roof, it was explained that, given the height of the parapet, that the feature could be concealed.
Beth Eite (Deputy Team Leader, Development and Renewal) gave a presentation on the application. It was noted that the subject property was locally listed and the Commercial Tavern Public House was a grade 11 listed building. The application had been subject to consultation and the issues raised were explained around intensification of residential accommodation, impact on the surrounding area and neighbouring amenity.
Members were advised of the key features of the scheme including the roof extension that would be largely concealed from view by the existing parapet. They also noted the revised stairwell, the layout of the scheme and the nature of the residential units. All of which would be dual aspect with access to private amenity space. It was also noted that the impact on neighbouring amenity was acceptable in light of the amendments and modest nature of the plans.
In summary, the plans overcame the previous reasons for refusal. In view of the merits of the scheme, Officers were recommending that it be granted permission.
In response to questions, Officers explained in further detail the main changes to the scheme to overcome the previous concerns (in terms of the height and design). The roof extension now only marginally exceeded the height of the parapet. Images of the key differences were shown. Given the changes and the set backs in design, the plans would have no impact on views from the south or would affect the setting of the surrounding buildings. Officers also answered questions about the consultation exercise.
On a vote of 4 in favour and 2 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission at 144-146 Commercial Street, London, E1 6NUbe GRANTED for a new single storey roof extension within the existing roof void to create a 1 x 1 bed residential unit; construction of four storey rear extension to facilitate new stair case; reconfiguration of window arrangement at the rear and refurbishment of the front façade and installation of a green roof.
2. 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.
Supporting documents: