Agenda item
10 Whitechapel High Street, E1 8DX (PA/16/02250)
Proposal:
Change of use of part of ground floor, part first floor, Basement 1 and Basement 2 from B1 (including ancillary floorspace), and Professional driver training / testing facility for a vehicle hire company use (D1) to a Sui Generis cultural facility including exhibition space, event space, office, retail and restaurant uses.
Alterations and extension to the existing lean-to element that forms part of the west elevation of the building and works to realign and resurface the existing ramp and stairs in connection with improvements to the access of the basement and all ancillary and associated works.
Minor alterations to north and south elevations of the building including a new access ramp.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to Any direction by the London Mayor, The prior completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure planning obligations and conditions.
Minutes:
Update report tabled.
Jerry Bell (East Area Manager, Planning Services) introduced the application for the change of use of part of ground floor, part first floor, Basement 1 and Basement 2 from B1 (including ancillary floorspace), and Professional driver training / testing facility to a Sui Generis cultural facility and other associated works.
Beth Eite (Planning Services) presented the application describing the site and surrounds. It was reported that the Sui Generis use would include a mixture of different uses including exhibition space, office and conference facilities.
In addition to this, the application sought the construction of a new two storey extension fronting Mansell Street. This proposal was identical to the application that had been previously consented save for the inclusion of the Sui Generis use.
The application also included changes to the façade of the building including the provision of a raised terrace to be used as a seating area. This would overlook Braham Street Park and ensure constant surveillance of the park. Consultation had been carried out on the proposal and no representations in objection had been received.
Whilst the loss of office space in a Preferred Office Location was normally resisted, it was considered that in this case, there were special circumstances justifying the loss of such use given the deficiencies with the basement space and that the proposal would enable the building to be brought back into active use and would generate employment.
Furthermore, it was considered that the impacts in terms of residential amenity including that from the cultural facility (that could open until 1am) would be acceptable given the lack of residential units near the premises and that the site fell in the Central Activities Zone where night time economy was directed to.
Given the benefits of the application, Officers were recommending that it was granted planning permission.
On a unanimous vote, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission be GRANTED at 10 Whitechapel High Street, E1 8DX for
Change of use of part of ground floor, part first floor, Basement 1 and Basement 2 from B1 (including ancillary floorspace), and Professional driver training / testing facility for a vehicle hire company use (D1) to a Sui Generis cultural facility including exhibition space, event space, office, retail and restaurant uses
Alterations and extension to the existing lean-to element that forms part of the west elevation of the building and works to realign and resurface the existing ramp and stairs in connection with improvements to the access of the basement and all ancillary and associated works.
Minor alterations to north and south elevations of the building including a new access ramp(PA/16/02250).
2. Subject to the prior completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure the planning obligations in the Committee report.
3. That the Corporate Director of Place is delegated power to negotiate the legal agreement indicated above acting within normal delegated authority.
4. That the Corporate Director of Place is delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out in the Committee report.
Supporting documents: