Issue - meetings

Redevelopment of site to comprise the erection of a part six, part seven storey building containing a 290-room hotel (including restaurant, bar and conference space), with a car park for thirteen vehicles and theatre workshop space (use class D1) on the lower ground floor.

NB: Increase in size of theatre workshop space from 188 square metres to 211 square metres; increase in height of theatre workshop space to five metres; reduction in number of car parking spaces from thirty-six to thirteen; increase in number of cycle parking spaces from twenty to fifty six.

12.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report, as set out in the agenda.

12.2  Anja Beinroth spoke in objection to the scheme, her comments are summarised as follows:

§  Representing a number of residents from the Georgian Terrace opposite the site.

§  In accordance with English Heritage, the height of the development should be no more than four storeys.

§  The previous application was deemed too high.

§  The proposed development would completely overshadow the Georgian Terrace.

§  Felt that the Planning Officer had not identified the loss of sunlight to the properties along Kingsland Road.

§  This section of the conservation area was predominantly residential and very few commercial properties. 

§  Felt there was not a need for a hotel in the area.

§  Lack of response from Thames Water, as the properties surrounding the site had suffered from flooding previously.

12.3  Mandip Sahota (Nicholas Taylor & Associates) was in attendance to answer any questions that arose.

12.4  Councillor Sharer raised concern over the height of the building and the Planning Officer stated that the Urban Design and Conservation Team had looked at the application and also referred Members’ attention to page 200 of the report which stated that the height of the proposed building was considered sensitive to adjacent buildings and well articulated.

12.5  Councillor Desmond referred to the level of parking being provided and asked the agent whether he felt the reduced number of parking spaces would lead to congestion in the area.

12.6  The agent stated that they had consulted with TfL in order to find more sustainable forms of transport.  This had resulted in more cycle spaces and a coach drop of point being incorporated into the proposal.

12.7  Councillor Webb made reference to the Quicksilver Theatre and asked whether they were aware that this application was going to committee, as she was unsure why they were not in attendance.

12.8  The Planning Officer confirmed that the Quicksilver Theatre had been sent notification of the application and the Sub-Committee and that a number of amendments had now been made to the proposal including a disabled access being provided, and the internal ceiling height as requested.

12.9  In response to a query about why the colour red had been chosen, the agent stated that this had been chosen to mirror the red brick of the Metropolitan Business Centre.

12.10  The Chair also asked whether the Kingsland Conservation Area Advisory Committee had been consulted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12