Agenda item
Attlee House, Sunley House, Profumo House and College East, 10 Gunthorpe Street, London (PA/15/02156)
Proposal:
Demolition of Attlee House, Sunley House and College East (Excluding part facade retention of College East) and construction of ground, basement plus part 3, part 4 and part 5 storey buildings providing 63 Class C3 residential units and 264 sq m (GIA) Class B1 office floorspace. Demolition of Profumo House and construction of a new building comprising basement, ground and 4 storey building comprising 990 sq m (GIA) Class B1 office floorspace 418 sq m (GIA) Tonybee advice services. Provision of car and cycle parking, amenity and play space, with associated plant and works.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement conditions and informatives.
Minutes:
Jerry Bell (Applications Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the item for the demolition of Attlee House, Sunley House and College East and the provision of a new mix used development.
Adam Williams (Planning Officer Development and Renewal) gave a presentation on the application explaining the site location, the surrounds, the
poor quality of the existing accommodation and the planning history for the site. Consultation on the proposal had been carried and the key issues raised were summarised.
Turing to the proposal, it was considered that the proposed land use complied with policy and would provide an acceptable level of affordable housing. All of the rented units would be at social target rent levels which was strongly supported. The proposal would respond well to the neighbouring buildings, preserve and enhance the Conservation Area and the Grade II listed building as well as natural and passive surveillance. To illustrate these points, the Committee were shown images of the proposals from the surrounding area. There would also be improvements to Mallon Gardens, supported by the Council’s Parks Team.
The scheme had been amended to address the amenity failings particularly at 38 Commercial Street. Whilst some of the windows within this property would experience losses, overall it was considered that the surrounding properties would continue to benefit from adequate levels of light.
The Committee also noted the servicing and car parking plans and the financial contributions.
Given the benefits of the scheme, Officers were recommending that it be granted permission.
In response to questions, Officers clarified the measures to improve the day light and sunlight exposure to neighbouring properties including the redesigning of the proposed Attlee House replacement building to lessen the impact on 38 Commercial Street. It was also clarified that the scheme had been sensitively designed to minimise the impact on the area including setbacks in the design to match the surrounding area. The buildings to be demolished were of no architectural merit.
In relation to child play space, it was noted that the plans included dedicated under 5 play space as required in policy. Whilst there was a lack of provision for the over 5 age groups, due to the site constraints, there were parks nearby. As a result, the level of child play space complied with policy.
Officers also answered questions about the viability appraisal and the reasons for the lack of Cross Rail contributions.
On a unanimous vote the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission be GRANTED at Attlee House, Sunley House, Profumo House and College East, 10 Gunthorpe Street, London (PA/15/02156) for the demolition of Attlee House, Sunley House and College East (Excluding part facade retention of College East) and construction of ground, basement plus part 3, part 4 and part 5 storey buildings providing 63 Class C3 residential units and 264 sq m (GIA) Class B1 office floorspace. Demolition of Profumo House and construction of a new building comprising basement, ground and 4 storey building comprising 990 sq m (GIA) Class B1 office floorspace 418 sq m (GIA) Tonybee advice services. Provision of car and cycle parking, amenity and play space, with associated plant and works. (PA/15/02156) subject to:
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the Committee report
3. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to negotiate the legal agreement indicated above acting within normal delegated authority.
4. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated authority to recommend the conditions and informatives in relation to 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: