Issue - meetings

Listed Building Consent for change of use from hostel to residential (C3) and conversion of property into 15 residential units comprising 6 x 3 bed, 7 x 2 bed and 2 x 1 bed flats that will include erection of two storey rear stepped infill extension and replacement top floor structure to create new unit. Excavation of lower ground floor and new basement to accommodate leisure facilities, 11 car parking spaces in basement area and four parking spaces externally, and 15 cycle spaces. Refuse / re-cycling facilities and associated landscaping.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to Government office for London.

The planning officer presented the report and advised the Committee that this application had been before the Committee at its meeting on 25 September 2008, however there was now an additional consideration in that the building was listed on 8 November 2008.  The proposed scheme had not changed since the application was agreed at the Planning Committee meeting on 25 September 2008.

The officer further outlined that English Heritage had been in direct contact with the architects who had agreed small amendments to the proposal, however the application scheme was not fundamentally changed.

A local resident addressed the Committee and informed that he lived adjacent to the site.  His overriding concern in relation to the application was the basement excavation.  At  no time had the developers provided a detailed report on the excavation and there was concern regarding the effect on neighbouring properties.   It was felt that it was not sufficient that a method statement should be provided prior to the commencement of the work.  The Committee was requested to add an extra condition that the application submit a plan on how the work would be managed on the site.

Cllr Allison addressed the Committee on behalf of the Ward Councillors and stated that the building was outstanding.  The Committee was requested to insist on affordable housing on the site.  The developers had offered £1.3m to provide affordable housing elsewhere in the borough, however affordable housing was needed in the west of Haringey.  The Committee was urged to reject the plans.

Cllr Bevan addressed the Committee as the Cabinet Member for Housing and informed that the housing service had concerns in respect of the application in relation to the sum being provided by the applicant towards affordable housing.  The Housing service had advised that they would have no objection if the application were rejected.

The Assistant Director of Planning, reminded the Committee that the report before them was to consider the issue of the listing and not to decide upon points raised at the last meeting.

The Applicant responded to the Committee by outlining the progress of the application.  The scheme was approved in September 2008, following this the building was listed as a grade 2 building.  The site was visited by English Heritage who identified principle areas that were worth keeping; outside the building, the entrance hall, back ground floor level and the reasonably fine ceilings.  The four roof lights were to be retained, side flank windows were to be retained and had changed the internal layout so could open up more of the ceilings.

The Committee viewed the plans.

The Committee requested that the condition for a project manager on the site be strengthened and included in the method statement.  In response to this request the officer advised that the method statement already included this condition.

The Chair moved a motion to grant the application subject to Government Office for London (GOL).  Cllr Wilson and Hare requested their abstentions be noted.

RESOLVED

That Listed Building Consent be granted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 325