Issue - meetings

Erection of two storey residential building at first floor level over existing single storey commercial premises and additional storey above existing residential to provide 9 residential units with 5 parking spaces at ground floor level.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Committee was informed that the application site was situated on the north side of Coleridge Road within the Crouch End Conservation Area.  The Area to the west and south of the property was predominantly residential although immediately adjacent to the town centre to the east.

The proposed development had been designed to reflect the existing traditional character and style of the adjoining properties.  It was considered that the proposal was acceptable in the location and that it would preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Crouch End Conservation Area.  It was further considered there would be no detrimental effect on privacy and amenity of neighbouring properties.

The proposal fell below the threshold for Affordable Housing as it was for only 9 units and provided for 5 car parking spaces.  The vehicle entrance to the parking spaces provided would be via an existing cross-over.  A sustainability checklist was completed and included good ventilation, provision for condensing boilers to all units, the use of reclaimed bricks and the use of the existing structure.

The Committee raised questions regarding the refuge facilities and fire access.  The planning officer informed the Committee that the Fire Authority were satisfied with the proposal.  Members enquired why this application provided parking spaces as opposed to the previous application considered.  The transportation officer responded that within the UDP an application must meet the criteria for a car free development the application site must lay within a controlled parking zone.  There was no controlled parking zone in Crouch End therefore this application could not  be designated car free development.  

An objector addressed the Committee and advised that he was representing the views of a number of residents in Coleridge Road.  He questioned the accuracy of the plans provided and stated that the proposal was absolutely not in character with the area.   The plans provided detailed a 4 storey building with 9 umits, the windows were much smaller and out of character.  The left hand side of the building housed 5-6 cars so there would be no net gain in terms of parking.  With respect to the petrol reservoirs these had only been covered over.  There was a drainage issue with respect to overflows and there would be no one responsible to maintain or manage these.  The staircase was considered to be too steep as the treads were quite high, very dangerous and a risk to residents. 

The planning officer advised the Committee that an informative would be added that redundant crossovers would be removed and there would be a single access to the premises, therefore off street parking would be replaced.

The Committee questioned the objector on how he would like to see the proposal modified and in response was informed that safety was at risk in respect of the narrow staircase.  The proposal was out of character for the area and the density was too much on the small site.  

The applicant, in response to the objectors concerns, informed the Committee that the layout  ...  view the full minutes text for item 230