Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of site to provide new Samaritans operation centre at ground floor level and 3 x 1 bed flat at first floor level and 1 x 1 bed flat at second floor level.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions.

The Committee was informed that the application building was currently being used as a training centre for the Samaritans and the surrounding area was predominantly residential.  The proposed building would replace the existing which was in a poor state of repair, of little architectural merit and not statutorily or locally listed.

The proposed scheme at Shaftsbury Hall would not cause any significant harm in terms of amenity, as a training and centre for confidential support would not detract from the amenity currently enjoyed by local residents.  There would be no additional parking as the local area had access to numerous bus routes and Bounds Green Underground station.

The scheme had a total density of 464hrh which included the ground floor office, training room and call centre space.  Refuge storage had been allocated at the side of the building and that the redevelopment of this site would not impact upon the ecological corridor.

The Officer further advised the Committee that the applicant had supplied a revised drawing to show modified front and side elevations.  The Samaritans had also submitted a petition with 27 signatures attached in support of the application.

The Committee questioned the density of the proposed scheme and commented that the London Plan guidelines were 200-250sqm.  The officer replied that the density interpretation of the London Plan depended upon the area which was close to a railway station and local shops nearby.  Also considered was the form of the development fitting in to the surrounding area which did conform.  The Committee felt that the design of the scheme did not take account of the houses along Herbert Road.   In response the officer acknowledged that the proposed development was uncompromisingly modern in design and a difficult scheme to fit into the street scene.

An Objector informed the Committee that he had not seen the revised plans or petition.  The streets around the proposed site were all residential.  The proposed scheme would be over developed by 70% and had the appearance of a warehouse.  The land was only suitable for a two small, 2 bed houses.  The proposed building would be overpowering.

The Committee questioned the objector regarding the height of the proposed building and were informed that the surrounding houses were all 100 years old.  The block on the top of the building was far too high.  The Officer confirmed that the amended plan did not change the height or size, just the elevation of the proposed development.

The Applicant addressed the Committee and advised that the density of the flats was 50sqm above the recommended level.  The design of the building was a question of taste and in context at the end of the street, near the railway line.  The design had taken account of the comments and concerns of residents and Councillors to make it more of a landmark building.  In respect of crime, it was considered to be a crime hotspot because of the current state of the building.  The new scheme proposed to have CCTV and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157