Agenda item
73-77 Commercial Road, London, E1 1RD (PA/17/00734)
Proposal:
Demolition and redevelopment of site to provide a single storey basement, together with ground plus ten storey building. Proposed mix of uses to include
420sqm (GEA) of flexible office and retail floorspace at ground floor level (falling within Use Classes B1/A1- A5) and the provision of 4,658 sqm (GEA) of office floorspace (Use Class B1), along with cycle parking provision, plant and storage, and other works incidental to the proposed development.
Recommendation:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to any direction by The London Mayor, the prior completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, conditions and informatives.
Minutes:
Jerry Bell (East Area Planning Manager, Planning Services) introduced the application for the demolition and redevelopment of site to provide a single storey basement, together with ground plus ten storey office/retail building with associated works.
Kirsty Gilmer (Planning Services) presented the detailed report explaining the site location and surrounds, the changes made to the proposals to address concerns and the outcome of the consultation.
The Committee were advised that the proposed redevelopment of the site for an office led development was considered appropriate for the location as it fell within the city fringe opportunity area and city fringe activity area. The development would be of an appropriate, scale, form and composition for the surrounding area, of a high quality design and would contribute to the emerging landscape. The development would deliver a range of benefits including new jobs, an active street frontage and public realm improvements. It would also preserve the character and appearance of the Myrdle Street Conservation Area and had been found to have no significant amenity impacts. Furthermore in terms of the transport matters, the proposal complied with policy. Officers were recommending that the application be granted planning permission.
The Committee asked about the land use and the potential for a residential development on the site. It was reported that given the site constraints, the site did not easily lend itself to such use. Regarding the benefits of the application, it was noted that it would provide a number of jobs and provide smaller flexible space suitable for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) in accordance with policy. The Committee asked about the action taken to provide affordable work space. To secure this, Councillor Marc Francis proposed and Councillor John Pierce seconded an additional non - financial contribution requiring that the applicant use reasonable endeavours to include flexible work space including affordable work space within the development. On a vote of 7 in favour and 0 against this was agreed
The Committee also asked questions about the height of the building given the site’s location and the possibility that this might set a precedent for the wider area including an increase in height into the adjoining Myrdle Street Conservation Area. The Committee were advised that as the area was in transition and on the boundary of the Central Activities Zone, the height of the building conformed with policy requirements. In addition, the conservation area designation would stop inappropriate heights further east beyond the site. In this context, Officers felt that the height of the development was acceptable.
Officers also answered questions about the impact of the development on 79 Commercial Road and provided assurances about the future occupancy of the units
On a vote of 7 in favour and 0 against, the Committee RESOLVED:
1. That planning permission be GRANTED at 73-77 Commercial Road, London, E1 1RD for the demolition and redevelopment of site to provide a single storey basement, together with ground plus ten storey building. Proposed mix of uses to include 420sqm (GEA) of flexible office and retail floorspace at ground floor level (falling within Use Classes B1/A1- A5) and the provision of 4,658 sqm (GEA) of office floorspace (Use Class B1), along with cycle parking provision, plant and storage, and other works incidental to the proposed development (PA/17/00734) .
Subject to:
2. Any direction by The London Mayor.
3. The prior completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure the planning obligations in the Committee report subject to the additional non financial contribution requiring that the applicant use reasonable endeavours to include flexible work space including affordable work space within the development
4. That the Corporate Director of Place is delegated power to negotiate the legal agreement indicated above acting within normal delegated authority.
5. That the Corporate Director of Place is delegated authority to recommend the conditions and informatives in relation to the matters set out in the committee report
Supporting documents: