Agenda item

Demolition of the existing building and the erection of a part four, part five storey building containing nineteen residential units and two parking spaces, together with associated outdoor amenity space, storage access and landscaping.

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

12.2  Steven Alexander and Pamela Watson spoke in objection to the scheme, his comments are summarised as follows:

§  The major concerns were regarding the height of the proposed development, overlooking and loss of amenity space which is well used by residents.

§  The development was 1 storey higher than the adjacent property and 2 storeys higher than the properties directly opposite.

§  Felt that it introduced a further barrier between the neighbouring properties.

§  Requested that further discussions take place on the design of the development before any permission was granted.

§  Recognise the need for more affordable housing in the area and welcome this.

§  Lack of consultation with local residents.

§  Issue surrounding where the bin storage will be located, as this is heavily used by residents.

12.3  A letter of objection from Steven Alexander was included within the addendum, along with responses from the Planning Officer.

12.4  The Chair wished to know which residents had been consulted and the Planning Officer confirmed that residents within a 30m radius of the site had been consulted and that a site notice had also been erected.

12.5  A representative from Savills (Agent) spoke in support of the scheme, his comments are summarised as follows:

§  Attended pre-application meetings with the planning department.

§  3 planning applications had previously been submitted, with the main reasons for objection being bulk, tenure and housing mix.

§  The proposed development is in keeping with the surrounding area, with no adverse affects on neighbouring properties.

§  Meets with the daylight/sunlight guidelines.

12.6  Discussion took place on the land ownership issue and also the member’s enquiry regarding communal land received by Councillor Kemp, as detailed within the addendum.  Members also raised the issue of existing bin storage and where this was to be located within the new development.  It was recognised that there was an issue with the ownership of the bin storage, as it was used by different residential blocks.

12.7  The Planning Officer stated that the applicant had confirmed that they owned the land and he believed that the appropriate notices had been correctly served.

12.8  The applicant stated that he had been assured by the architect that the issues surrounding bin storage and loss of communal space had been addressed and that the bin storage had been located within the site, with no interference to the adjacent properties.

12.9  Councillor Hanson proposed that the application be DEFERRED to allow planning officers to carefully consider objections received regarding potential loss of community space and the issue surrounding the bin storage.  She also asked that a representative from Hackney Homes be in attendance at a future meeting to answer these concerns.  This was seconded by Councillor Smith. 

12.10  Councillor Smith requested that the appropriate residents association also be consulted before the next meeting.  This was AGREED.

Unanimously RESOLVED that:-