Agenda item
47 Brierly Gardens, London E2 0TF (PA/15/01337)
- Meeting of Development Committee, Thursday, 3rd September, 2015 7.00 p.m. (Item 6.1)
- View the background to item 6.1
Proposal:
The proposed works are for a new 4.6m x 4.1m single storey rear extension with seeks to provide two new bedrooms, alongside a reconfigured living/dining/ kitchen.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to conditions.
Minutes:
Update report tabled.
Jerry Bell (Applications, Team Leader, Development and Renewal) introduced the application for a new 4.6m x 4.1m single storey rear extension which seeks to provide two new bedrooms, alongside a reconfigured living/dining/ kitchen.
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
Stephen Smillie and Mary Smillie, (local residents), spoke in opposition to the scheme. They objected to the lack of consultation with residents, costs of the scheme to the leaseholders, the design and scale of the scheme that would be out of keeping with the area, overcrowding at the subject building and the threat to residents safety given the proximity of the extension to neighbouring windows. In view of these issues, the scheme would adversely affect the residents quality of life. In response to Members, they answered questions of clarity about the lack of consultation with the Brierley Gardens residents, the worries over the flat roof acting as a platform for intruders aided by the position of the fence and the lack of safeguards to prevent this. Alternative sites that could accommodate a pitched roof should be considered instead. They pointed to the fact that a Councillor had expressed concerns about the scheme.
Mr Abdul Kadir Mohamoud (occupant of the property) and Yasmin Ali (Tower Hamlets Homes) spoke in support of the scheme. They spoke of the need for the extension to accommodate the family’s needs in keeping with the aims of the wider programme to mitigate overcrowding. They also talked about the assessment process for the programme, the factors taken into account, that the quality of the accommodation complied with design guidance and the steps taken to mitigate the impact on neighbouring properties. Further measures could be introduced such as anti - climb measures. Meetings had been held with residents and they would be notified when work commenced. In response to questions, they referred to the local consultation that complied with the statutory consultation and also reiterated their willingness to provide additional security measures. They also reported on the difficulties with providing a pitched roof given the site constraints and the likelihood that such a change would affect the quality of the development.
Esha Banwait (Planning Officer, Development and Renewal) presented the detailed report and the update describing the site location, surrounding area including the proximity to historic buildings. The Committee were advised of the key features of the scheme, including the location of the proposed extension, the quality of the accommodation and internal reconfiguration, the design of the scheme, including the proposed flat roof and the expected improvements in the distribution of light across the site. She also explained the impact on the rear garden. The majority of which would be retained.
The proposal would be in keeping and would preserve the setting of the area and be subservient to the host building. Assurances were also provided on the impact on neighbouring amenity.
The outcome of the local consultation was explained. Concerns had been expressed about the potential for the flat roof to attract crime. Steps had been taken to address this and various other measures could be explored.
In response to questions, Officers clarified the distance from the new roof line to the nearest window and the merits of anti - climb measures and where responsibility would rest for the maintenance works. They also confirmed the reasons for bringing the application to the Committee due to the number of objections received and highlighted the independent status of Tower Hamlets Homes in relation to the Council. In relation to this latter point, the Legal Officer advised that there was nothing in the Council’s Constitution that prevented the Committee from determining the application. Officers also answered questions regarding the use of planning conditions in relation to the application.
Councillor Marc Francis proposed and Councillor Chris Chapman seconded that an additional condition be added to the permission in the interests of crime prevention. This was unanimously agreed.
On a vote 6 in favour and 1 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
That planning permission be GRANTED at 47 Brierly Gardens, London E2 0TF for a new 4.6m x 4.1m single storey rear extension which seeks to provide two new bedrooms, alongside a reconfigured living/dining/ kitchen (reference PA/15/01337) subject to the conditions and informative set out in the committee report and the update report and the following condition requiring
· Application of anti - climb paint and installation of anti - climb spikes
· That the above measures be maintained
Supporting documents: