Agenda item
Bow Boys Secondary School, Paton Close, London, E3 2QD (PA/15/02917)
Proposal:
Creation of a new 3FE primary school (630 places) and 3 class Nursery (75 places) (use class D1) on a former secondary school site, including demolition of existing temporary structures and outbuildings, alterations and internal refurbishment of a locally listed board school.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives in the Committee report.
Minutes:
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application submitted by the Council’s Children’s Department for the creation of a new 3FE primary school and 3 class Nursery on a former secondary school site, including demolition of existing temporary structures and outbuildings, alterations and internal refurbishment of a locally listed board school.
Chris Stacey-Kinchin(Planning Officer, Development and Renewal), explained the site and surrounds and the key details of the application including the plans to demolish the temporary class room cabins, the science block and the design and technology building of little architectural value. He also explained the layout of the scheme, the design of the proposed glazed walkway, the indicative landscaping plans, the design of the play space and the measures to mitigate any impact from the scheme
Consultation had been carried resulting in objections to the demolition of the caretaker’s office and the existing brick wall boundary. It was noted that both of which were to be retained. Concerns had also been raised about overlooking and loss of light. These issues were addressed below.
Turning to the assessment, Officers considered that the application posed no undue issues in terms of overlooking from the scheme, due to the separation distances and that it was unlikely that users of the school would linger in the glass walkway. The scheme had been carefully designed to prevent any adverse impact on sunlight and daylight. There were measures in the Travel Plan to mitigate any highway issues.
Overall it was considered that the application would preserve and enhance the setting of the area given amongst other matters the quality of the design and provide much needed primary school places. In conclusion, Officers were recommending that the application be granted subject to the conditions.
In response, Members welcomed the retention of the two heritage assets and asked about the measures to safeguard their retention. Officers explained that the removal of these buildings would require a submission of a further application, requiring consideration at Committee. Reassurances were also sought about the impact on Paton Close from the comings and goings from the school given the narrowness of the highway and the risk that the disabled parking spaces may be used for pick ups and drops offs. Members stressed the need for steps to be taken to address this.
In responding, Officers referred to the measures in the Travel Plan encouraging travel to and from the school by sustainable means. The site also had a good PTAL rating. Whilst the implementation of these measures was a management issue, the applicant would be encouraged to work closely with the Council’s Travel Advisor to implement and monitor the measures in the Travel Plan to prevent congestion on the highway.
Officers also answered questions about the number and location of the cycle spaces and the scooter spaces, for staff, visitors and for the students.
On a unanimous vote, it was RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission be GRANTED at Bow Boys Secondary School, Paton Close, London, E3 2QD (PA/15/02917) for the creation of a new 3FE primary school (630 places) and 3 class Nursery (75 places) (use class D1) on a former secondary school site, including demolition of existing temporary structures and outbuildings, alterations and internal refurbishment of a locally listed board school.
2. That the Corporate Director of Development & Renewal is delegated authority to recommend the conditions and informatives in relation to the matters set out in the Committee report
Supporting documents: