Agenda item
Our Lady's Primary School, Copenhagen Place, Limehouse, London E14 7DA (PA/15/02148)
Proposal:
Demolition of existing buildings for the redevelopment of the site to provide buildings ranging between 4 part 5 storeys to 7 storeys in height comprising 45 residential units including affordable housing (Use Class C3), together with associated disabled car parking, cycle parking, open space, landscaping and infrastructure works.
Recommendations:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement conditions and informatives.
Minutes:
Update report tabled.
Jerry Bell (Applications Manager) introduced the item for the demolition of existing buildings for the redevelopment of the site to provide a residential led development.
Killian Harrington (Planning Officer, Development and Renewal) presented the application explaining the site location and the residential nature of surrounding area including the listed buildings.
Turning to the proposal, the plans would provide a policy compliant level of affordable housing, located across all proposed blocks. At this point images were shown of the appearance of the proposal, viewed from the surrounding area.
Consultation had been carried out on the scheme and the issued raised were noted.
It was considered that the proposed land use was acceptable given the need for new residential development and that the site was no longer fit for purpose for a school. It was also considered that the plans would preserve and enhance the area, without being overbearing. It would also provide child play space in excess of the minimum requirements and a policy compliant level of wheelchair accessible units. All of which complied with the quality standards in policy.
Whilst the proposed density exceeded the range in the London Plan, it born no symptoms of overdevelopment. Steps had been taken to mitigate the loss of loss of light to neighbouring properties mostly effecting non habitable rooms or dual aspect properties. Due to this, it was felt that any losses in terms of amenity did not warrant a refusal. The scheme would be car free with a number of cycle spaces.
Officers were recommending that the application was granted planning permission.
In response to questions, Officers explained the nature of the sunlight/daylight failings. It was confirmed that the units within Southwater Close already suffered compromised levels of sunlight as they were already obstructed. So it was the design of that development itself that had created these problems. As for the properties in Elland House, expected to suffer a reduction in light, most of the windows affected were secondary windows. In addition, there would be obscure glazing to protect privacy.
Officers also answered questions about the impact on the listed buildings and the character of the surrounding area.
On a unanimous vote the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission be GRANTED at Our Lady's Primary School, Copenhagen Place, Limehouse, London E14 7DA for the demolition of existing buildings for the redevelopment of the site to provide buildings ranging between 4 part 5 storeys to 7 storeys in height comprising 45 residential units including affordable housing (Use Class C3), together with associated disabled car parking, cycle parking, open space, landscaping and infrastructure works (PA/15/02148) subject to:
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the obligations set out in the Committee report and the update.
3. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to negotiate the legal agreement indicated above acting within delegated authority.
4. 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.
5. That, if within 3 months of the date of this committee the legal agreement has not been completed, the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to refuse planning consent.
Supporting documents: