Agenda item
Site at corner of Buxton Street and Spital Street, London (PA/16/01832)
Proposal:
Demolition of the existing store building, substation and workshop and boundary wall to Buxton Street and Spital Street up to the Cooperage Building and erection of a 3 storey high Data Centre with basement accommodation (Use Class B8) including provision of Use Class B1 enterprise / D1 training floorspace, provision of rooftop satellite dishes, roof mounted mechanical plant, security fencing and bollards, cycle parking and provision of two electric charging car parking spaces.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement, conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee report.
Minutes:
Paul Buckenham (Development Manager, Development and Renewal) introduced the application for the demolition of the existing store building, substation and workshop and boundary wall to Buxton Street and Spital Street up to the Cooperage Building and the erection of a 3 storey high Data Centre with mixed used accommodation and associated works.
Hannah Connell (Planning Services) presented the detailed report, being brought to the Committee as the planning permission for the application had now expired. The Committee were advised of the site location, the surrounding area and the key features of the application. It was reported that the land use remained acceptable. It was also considered that the height scale , bulk and design responded satisfactorily to the area, with set backs in the design to enable the provision of pavement on Buxton Street . Whilst the proposal would result in the loss of buildings, it was not considered that this would harm the setting of the Conservation Area. An objection had been received about the impact on air quality, views, the loss of light and height of the building. Officers did not consider that plans, subject to the application of the conditions, would have any undue impact in terms of these issues. The application also included energy efficiency and sustainability measures. Officers were recommending that the application was granted planning permission.
In response to questions about the cycle parking, Officers explained the differences between the TFL and the London Plan requirements. The scheme would provide 10 cycle spaces that fell short of the relevant policy requirements. However, more would be provided if needed. In response to questions about the loss on the trees, it was reported that a tree protection plan would be secured by condition. In addition, the application would deliver a number of public realm improvements. Given this, Officers considered that the proposal would preserve the biodiversity value of the site.
In response to further questions, Officers provided reassurances about the design of the proposal and the impact on the character of the area. Officers also answered questions about the number of jobs that would be created by the proposal, the proposed sum for employment initiatives that accorded with the provisions of the Planning Obligations SPD.
The Committee also requested that more images should be included in the Committee reports in the future.
On a vote of 6 in favour 0 against and 1 abstention, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That the planning permission be GRANTED at Site at corner of Buxton Street and Spital Street, London for the Demolition of the existing store building, substation and workshop and boundary wall to Buxton Street and Spital Street up to the Cooperage Building and erection of a 3 storey high Data Centre with basement accommodation (Use Class B8) including provision of Use Class B1 enterprise / D1 training floorspace, provision of rooftop satellite dishes, roof mounted mechanical plant, security fencing and bollards, cycle parking and provision of two electric charging car parking spaces (PA/16/01832) subject to:
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the Committee report.
3. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated authority to negotiate the legal agreement indicated above.
4. That if, within three months of the date of this committee meeting the legal agreement has not been completed, the Corporate Director of Development & Renewal has delegated authority to refuse planning permission.
5. That the Corporate Director Development & Renewal is delegated power to impose conditions and informatives on the planning permission to secure the matters set out in the Committee report
6. Any other informatives(s) considered necessary by the Corporate Director Development & Renewal.
Supporting documents: