Agenda item
111-113 Mellish Street, London E14 8PJ (PA/16/00901)
Proposal:
Retention of the single storey modular building for a temporary period for continued non-residential use (falling within use class D1)
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANTplanning permission subject to conditions set out in the Committee report.
Minutes:
Update report tabled.
Jerry Bell introduced the application for the retention of the single storey modular building for a temporary period for continued non-residential use (falling within use class D1)
The Chair invited registered speakers to address the Committee.
John Locko and Councillor Andrew Wood spoke in objection to the proposal on the grounds that existing facility created parking stress. Therefore, the proposal would further increase parking congestion in the surrounding streets, given the increase in visitor numbers especially during the summer months. Concern was also expressed that the residents had not been consulted on the travel plan until very late in the day and about breaches of the current parking controls. They also expressed concern about noise disturbance from the existing facilities, especially when the PA system was in use, due to the unsuitability of the premises for the intended use. In particular, concern was expressed about noise escape from the roof area affecting the nearby residents. The Committee report underestimated the potential noise impact from the facilities. Many of the residents had complained about the issues.
In response to questions, the speakers emphasised their concerns about the impact from parking from the proposal, acknowledging that whilst the facility was not solely to blame for such problems, it would add to the wider parking congestion in the area. They also explained their concerns about noise disturbance from the proposals, outlined the steps that had been taken to address the issues and the effectiveness of these measures. They also expressed concern about the lack of use of the building during weekdays and, in view of the concerns, questioned whether the proposal was the most effective use of the site given the demand for community resources in the local area.
Fokrul Islam and the Imran Rahman spoke in support of the application. They drew attention to the wide range of community services delivered at the premises, the inclusive nature of activities and importance of the facility to local people. The concerns about noise and parking stress could be addressed through the conditions. The specialists at the Council had considered these issues and were satisfied that the conditions would address any impacts and they had not raised any objections. In response to questions, they commented further on the nature and quality of the community activities being provided on site and that they worked hard to minimise noise disturbance. They also discussed the layout of the building, the concerns about noise especially during the Ramadan period and the measures to control this. Regarding the travel assessment, it was considered that most of the visitors travelled to the centre by foot therefore it was unlikely that the proposal would increase parking pressure.
Nasser Farooq (Planning Services, Development and Renewal) gave a presentation on the application describing the site location, nature of the surrounds and the consented scheme. He also explained the layout of the existing facility and the outcome of the consultation and the issues raised. The main issues for consideration were the impact on amenity and transport and the highway. The application included a number of conditions to address any potential impacts and Officers were satisfied that the conditions would address the issues. As a result, Officers were recommending that the application be granted permission.
In response to questions about the proposed increase in visitor numbers (compared to the approved application), it was confirmed that at the time of the original consent in 2013, the end user had yet to be identified. Therefore, in view of the uncertainties, it was decided to restrict the visitor numbers to 50 at any time to be sure that the plans would safeguard residential amenity. Following the receipt of further information, a maximum of 160 visitors at any one time was agreed and conditioned. There had been no material changes in circumstances since that time so it was proposed to restrict the number of visitors to 160 at any given time.
In response to questions about the enforcement of this restriction and the impact of the plans on parking and noise, it was emphasised that any breaches in the planning permission would be a matter for the Council’s Enforcement Team to pursue. It was also explained that the case officer had visited the site late at night to assess the audibility of sound from the premises within the surrounding area and was satisfied that the conditions would address any impacts. The plans included a condition that there should be no audible noise from equipment outside the premises and that the former the former management plan condition be reapplied to manage the coming and goings from the premises to limit impacts on the area.
In relation to late night prayers during Ramadan, the report provided an indication of when Ramadan would in take place in 2017 and 2018 so that Members could make an informed decision on the impact of these hours on residential amenity.
Highways Services had visited the application site and had since withdrawn their initial objections to the application.
It was also noted that there would be an informative stating that the Council would not be inclined to support a further extension to the application.
In response to further questions, Officers also discussed with the Committee, the enforcement history and the outcome of the investigation of the 2014 complaint.
On a vote of 5 in favour, 1 against and 0 abstentions, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission be GRANTED at 111-113 Mellish Street, London E14 8PJ) for the retention of the single storey modular building for a temporary period for continued non-residential use (falling within use class D1) (PA/16/00901)
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 set out in the Committee report.
Supporting documents: