Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing building and construction of a part six, part seven storey building to provide 90sqm of commercial (A1, A2, B1 and D1) floorspace on the ground floor and 16 residential flats (5 x 1 bed, 8 x 2 bed, 3 x 3 bed) above, with a disabled car parking space, 16 cycle parking spaces and associated facilities.

POST SUBMISSION REVISIONS:  A minor revision to the external appearance of the scheme was sought and agreed by the applicant.  This included:

§  Metal balustrades being added to the windows to the east and south elevation to increase visual interest.

§  Widening of the residential entrance way and hall (from 1.2m to 2.3m) to improve its relationship to the street.

(Councillor Desmond arrived during the discussion of this item and so did not take part in the vote).

9.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report, as set out in the agenda.  He referred to the addendum which stated that on a review of pertinent case law, there was no record found that suggested that ‘Water Supply’ should be considered as a material planning consideration.  In addition, Thames Water had not objected to the proposed development connecting to the mains water supply, and it was considered that water supply was an issue normally resolved between Thames Water and the developer.

9.2  Steven Smeeth and Les Sullivan spoke in objection to the scheme, their comments are summarised as follows:-

§  They had submitted a letter of objection and an annotated photograph to the Planning Officer, for consideration.

§  Loss of daylight.

§  Already an issue of overcrowding in the surrounding area.

§  The sewerage and water system was already not fit for purpose, especially at Caliban Towers.

§  There had already been two instances of flooding at the previously agreed 168 Pitfield Street.

§  Concerned that a crane and materials would be stored in the car park of Caliban Towers.

§  Correspondence received from the planning service had not been sent to all local residents.

9.3  Tim Gaskell (Agent) spoke in support of the scheme, his comments are summarised as follows:-

§  Undertaken detailed discussions with the Council and details of the scheme had changed as a result.

§  The scheme will be run by One Housing, which was one of the Council’s preferred RSLs.

§  The scheme provides good sized, quality units, with private amenity space to a number of them.

§  There are already a number of 5,6 and 7 storey buildings in the vicinity.

§  The scheme is located within a CPZ and they will restrict the number of residents applying for permits. 

§  There will be no loss of light to Caliban Towers.

§  There will also be no issue of overlooking to Caliban Towers, as all of the windows to the main living areas will face the main road and any facing Caliban Towers, eg bathrooms, will have obscured windows.

§  The development will be an improvement to the streetscape  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9