Agenda item
Balfron Tower, 7 St Leonards Road, London, E14 0QR (PA/15/02554, PA/15/02555)
Proposal:
Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for:
External and internal physical alterations and refurbishment works to Balfron Tower, including:
- New fenestration
- Alterations to flat layouts
- Re-instatement of cornice at the top of the building
- Replacement of boiler house flues
- Alterations to car parking
- Cycle parking and refuse storage arrangements
- Lighting
- Hard and soft landscaping and associated works.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to grant planning permission and Listed Building Consent subject to conditions
Minutes:
Jerry Bell (Applications Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the item for external and internal physical alterations and refurbishment works to Balfron Tower.
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the meeting.
Glenn McMahon and Vanessa Crawford (local residents) spoke in opposition to the application. They objected to the impact on the social housing given the proposed changes to the layout, tenure and affordability of the units. There was a real need for social housing and family housing given the housing waiting list. They also objected to the loss of historic features. There was also a lack of consultation with occupants on the plans affecting the building.
The speakers then responded to questions of clarification about the consultation and the costs of the scheme to leaseholders. The Chair reminded Members that the cost to leaseholders were not a planning issue and that Members must only consider the planning issues. Furthermore, the housing tenure of Balfron Tower had never been controlled under the planning regime so this was also not a material planning matter.
Neal Hunt (Poplar HARCA) and Richard Coleman (Heritage Advisor) spoke in support of the scheme. They referred to the wider estate regeneration scheme. They also referred to the terms of the transfer agreement in relation to Balfron Tower and the developer’s commitment to providing good quality social housing. Every effort had been made preserve the heritage value of the tower. The changes would only affect the least valuable parts of the building. Indeed Historic England were supportive of the amended scheme. The changes were necessary to bring the building up to modern standards including the replacement windows.
The speakers then responded to questions of clarification from Members, explaining the nature of the repair work, the responses from Historic England and the 20th Century Society to the changes, the fire escape plans and the internal changes to facilitate this. They also answered questions about the replacement tiles, the security measures to prevent anti social behaviour and the landscaping plans. This included the introduction of softer landscaping.
The speakers also noted that concern had been expressed at the proposed open plan layout for certain units. It was felt that the proposed layout would maximise use of the flats and overall, it would not be that dissimilar to the existing layout and would maintain the spirit of the Goldfinger design.
Officers reminded Members that service charges and management issues were not relevant planning matters. Members must only consider the material planning issues relating the physical changes to the site.
Nasser Farooq, (Team Leader Planning Services, Development and Renewal) presented the report explaining the site and surrounds, the historic importance of the building on relisting. Consultation had been carried out on the scheme and the issues raised were summarised in the Committee report and the presentation slide. This included a summary of the different responses of the historic groups to the proposals.
Members were advised of the proposed changes, particularly the options considered and discounted for the replacement windows and the reasons for this. They also noted images of the proposed external alterations, the plans to retain heritage flats, the internal changes and the conditions ensuring the reuse of the quarry floor tiles.
Members also noted the landscaping improvements, the condition on CCTV, mindful of the heritage value of the building.
It was also reported that a request has been made to the Secretary of State to call in this application. As such, the Council would need to wait for direction from the Secretary of State prior to issuing any decision
Given the benefits of scheme, Officers were recommending that it be granted planning permission and listed building consent.
In response to Members questions, it was confirmed that the overall number of housing units would remain the same under the application. Given the management arrangements, it was expected that this should include the provision of CCTV. A number of cycle spaces would be provided on a voluntary basis. Steps would be taken to ensure the replacement tiles matched those that had been replaced, noting they were one of the least valuable elements to the listing. However, they would be thicker and more durable and be bigger. It was also reported that in contrast with the existing windows, the new windows would be fit for purpose. They would also reflect the spirit of the original architecture.
On a unanimous vote the Committee RESOLVED:
That the planning permission be GRANTED at Balfron Tower, 7 St Leonards Road, London, E14 0QR for external and internal physical alterations and refurbishment works to Balfron Tower (PA/15/02554) subject to the conditions and informatives in the Committee report.
That the Listed Building Consent be GRANTED at Balfron Tower, 7 St Leonards Road, London, E14 0QR (PA/15/02555) subject to the conditions and informatives in the Committee report.
Supporting documents: