Agenda item
188 Westferry Road, London, E14 3RY (PA/15/03392)
Proposal:
Construction of new entranceway and balcony
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee report.
Minutes:
Update report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Control Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the planning application for the construction of new entranceway and balcony and the application for advertisement consent for installation of fascia signs: Front gate, Internal gate and 3x Rear elevation by helipad. (There would be a separate vote on each application).
The Chair then invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
John Callaghan, Trevor Bush (local residents) and Councillor Peter Golds spoke in objection to the application (for 6 minutes in total). They expressed concern about the redevelopment of the car parking area and overlooking from the parking spaces given the close proximity of the residential units. They also expressed concerned about damage to landscaping from any screening for this area. They also objected to the impact of the proposal on residential amenity in terms of increased noise disturbance and air pollution, (adding to the existing problems) especially as the plans naturally implied that there would an intensification of use site. Due to these issues, the London Plan discouraged the siting of a helipad near an urban area. In response to questions, they commented on the impact that the helipad had on the area, citing examples of helicopters hovering near residential dwellings, generating continuous noise and pollution. There were about 3-4 flights per day. In response to further questions, they expressed concern about the lack of consideration to the car parking issues and that the plans would encourage greater use of the site.
Nick Cox, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the proposals. He provided reassurances about the limited scale of the scheme, due amongst other things the fact that only a small number of helicopters in use met the criteria for landing at the site. He also explained that he was happy to close down the area identified on the plans as a car park and that the purpose of the new signage was merely to present a more professional image and that the new ramp would provide disabled access. He also gave an overview of the regulations and arrangements in place for controlling activity at the site. In response to questions, he repeated that the applicant had no intention of developing the car parking area and he was happy to shut this off. He also offered reassurances on the amenity impact of the application.
Nasser Farooq (Team Leader, Development and Renewal) gave a presentation on both the planning and the advertisement consent application for the site. He explained the site location, the surrounding area, the key features of the proposals and those parts of the application that did not need planning permission. It was also explained that the use of the site as a heliport had been established given it exceeded 10 years continued use.
Consultation had been carried out including consultation with statutory bodies. Given the number of helicopter movements, the National Air Traffic Services Ltd were of the opinion that the helipad did not require a license. Details of the responses were set out in the report.
Overall, it was considered that the plans would not result in any undue impact in terms of the environment or public safety, so, should be granted.
In response to questions about the monitoring arrangements, it was confirmed that should the helicopter movements exceed 10 movements per day, the helipad would need to be licenced by National Air Traffic service Ltd.. In the event that there was a major intensification of use, the Council would consider whether this was an intensification of the established use that might require planning permission in its own right and take any action necessary.
Officers also answered questions about the car parking area identified on the drawings.
When asked about whether there was a lawful development certificate for the use, Officers advised that there was not, but it would be at the volition of the developer. In this case, given the history, Officers are satisfied that the use has been established and that it would not be expedient to enforce.
Given the concerns around use of the car parking spaces, Councillor Marc Francis moved and Councillor Chris Chapman seconded an additional condition preventing parking within the car parking spaces identified on the site plans. On a vote of 4 in favour, this was agreed.
On a vote of 5 in favour and 0 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That the planning permission be GRANTED at 188 Westferry Road, London, E14 3RY for the construction of new entranceway and balcony(reference PA/15/03392)
2. That the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal is delegated power to impose conditions and informatives on the planning permission to secure the matters in the Committee report and the additional condition agreed by the Committee regarding the prevention of parking within the car parking spaces identified on the site plans.
Supporting documents: