Agenda item
34-41 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX (PA/16/00065)
Proposal:
Refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing use B1(a) Office, with rear extension to provide additional office floorspace, new roof to refurbished courtyard and formation of new use class A1 unit, fronting Folgate Street alterations to elevations.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations, conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee report.
Minutes:
Update report tabled.
Paul Buckenham (Development Control Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application for the refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing use B1(a) Office, with rear extension to provide additional office floorspace, new roof to refurbished courtyard and formation of new use class A1 unit, fronting Folgate Street alterations to elevations.
Esha Banwait, (Planning Officer, Development and Renewal) presented the detailed report, explaining the application site surrounding area and the shortcoming with the existing office layout at the site. The Committee were advised of the key features of the scheme including the layout and the proposed façade. It was required that details of the proposed materials be submitted prior to implementation. The Committee also noted the proposed height and massing that its relationship with the surrounding context.
It was noted that concern had been raised about the impact on neighbouring amenity including loss of light to properties and overlooking. Given the modest size of the new windows and that that the design itself should prevent overlooking amongst other matters, Officers did not consider that the neighbouring properties would be unduly effected given the dense urban setting.
The Committee also noted details of the cycle parking, and outcome of the highways, transportation and servicing assessment.
In view of the merits of the application, Officers were recommending that it be granted.
In response to the presentation, Members drew attention to the comments from the historic societies in the report regarding the appearance of the proposal. In view of the comments, reassurances were sought that that the material chosen and colour of the brickwork, would be in keeping with the surrounding area. Officers reported that, prior to selecting the materials a site visit would be undertaken to physically match the proposed material with surrounding properties to ensure they were appropriate. Officers would take on board the comments of the Committee and would work to ensure that the suitable materials were chosen. It was also noted that the Borough’s Conservation Officer considered that the new façade would be modern yet would be more in keeping with the historic context .
In response to questions about the proposed coffee shop, Officers felt that it would complement the office use. Furthermore, the proposal complied with policy given the Central Activity Zone location. However, to minimise its impact, conditions would be imposed on the permission, restricting the coffee shops opening hours, to ensure the area retained its residential character over the weekend.
Regarding overlooking, it was noted that the applicant had agreed to incorporate within the plans external overlooking mitigation to preserve the outlook of the nearby properties (as set out in the update report).
On a vote of 4 in favour 0 against and 1 abstention, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That the planning permission be GRANTED at 34-41 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX for the refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing use B1(a) Office, with rear extension to provide additional office floorspace, new roof to refurbished courtyard and formation of new use class A1 unit, fronting Folgate Street alterations to elevations(PA/16/00065) subject to:
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations in the Committee report and conditions set out in the report.
Supporting documents: