Issue - meetings

Erection of 2 x single storey buildings at the school’s frontage to provide a new administration block and learning resource centre, and create a new main entrance.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions

The planning officer presented the report and advised that Hornsey School for Girls was built on former residential land in 1971.  The site was bounded by Inderwick Road and the rear of residential properties on Rathcoole Gardens and Weston Park.  It was considered that the proposed development would greatly improve the facilities for existing students.  The new administration blocks would be able to provide more suitable dedicated facilities, and would be available for community use during the evenings which would create a more effective use of existing community sites.  The position of the buildings near to the pavement was a departure from the existing school layout but it resulted in a more obvious street presence for the school.  The proposed buildings were for relatively quiet activities such as administration and quiet study, the central courtyard was likely to be used more frequently, but this enclosure would service to attenuate much of the resultant noise.

The officer further stated that the proposed buildings ere of modern design using traditional materials reflecting the locality.  It was considered that all windows in the administration block and lower level windows were to be obscured glazing, the only clear glazed windows were those which were above head height, this would therefore result in limited overlooking.  The proposal involved the removal of 15 trees on Inderwick Road frontage, 13 of which are mature.  Twenty replacement specimens were proposed on Inderwick Road and Spencer Road frontages, including new street trees.  The scheme incorporated CHP, natural ventilation, efficient use of water, sustainable urban drainage, measures to reduce solar gain and a green roof.

The Committee were further informed that the school had a total of 74 off-street car parking spaces, which would be retained and covered cycle parking facilities capable of accommodating 50 bicycles.  The school had an active travel plan which would help to promote and increase the number of students travelling by sustainable modes of transport.  The Committee was asked to grant permission subject to conditions.

A local resident from Inderwick Road addressed the Committee on behalf of several local residents who all supported the improvement of schools in Haringey.  Hornsey school for Girls was opened in 1971 to benefit the community.  Local residents questioned why the location for this particular application was being proposed with the loss of many trees.   The proposal also claimed to be a single storey building.  Residents had worked with the BSF team, the school and had made changes to the application, however the Committee was asked to consider pushing back the wall, the provision of green roofs and a green frontage to the building.

Another local resident addressed the Committee who stated that local residents had engaged with the design process and their input had improved the original application, however it was still proposed that the building be located adjacent to the pavement.  It was considered that the current proposal would not have this school at the heart of the community.  There were 43 posters hung up in Inderwick Road  ...  view the full minutes text for item 314

Erection of 2 x single storey buildings at the school’s frontage to provide a new administration block and learning resource centre, and create a new main entrance.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions

This item was deferred to the next meeting.