Issue - meetings

1.      Oakdale Arms, 283 Hermitage Road N4.  Demolition of existing building and erection of a three storey building comprising 4x1 bed, 2x2  bed and 1x4 bed self-contained flats and parking at basement level.  Recommendation – Grant Permission, subject to conditions and Section 106 Legal Agreement (page 53)    

2.      381 – 481 Seven Sisters Road N15.   Demolition of existing garages and erection of four part 3/part 4 storey blocks comprising 28x1 bed, 30x2 bed and 10x3 bed residential units with associated landscaping (page 68)

3.      The Lodge, Creighton Avenue N10.  Demolition of existing park keeper’s lodge and erection of 2x2 storey four bedroom dwelling houses with rooms at lower ground and first floor level. With associated car parking and landscaping     (page  93)

RESOLVED

That the decisions of the Sub Committee on the planning applications and related matters, as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes, be approved or refused, with the following points noted:

1.                     The Lodge, Creighton Avenue N10

             Having looked in detail at the site plans, members had some concerns that this development could be overlooking and therefore decided to defer a decision until after a site visit.

2.                     Oakdale Arms, 283 Hermitage Road N4

                   Officers presented this application and members were asked to note that the demolition of the public house was not subject to planning permission and the proposed density levels for the redevelopment were within the London Plan standard.

                   The ward councillor and several objectors spoke outlining their concerns at the loss of this public house and the proposed redevelopment.   Members noted that the premises had been designated ‘CAMRA North London Pub of the Year’ and it was highly regarded by the local residents and felt to be at the hub of the local community. 

                   The retired Vicar of St Ann’s Parish confirmed that the Oakdale Arms was used as a ‘church plant’, i.e. a community facility attached to the local church and services were held in their function rooms every Sunday morning.  The local Trades Council and NDC representatives also felt that the Oakdale Arms added value to the local community and members noted that the function rooms were also used by a local  group for people with disabilities.

                   Officers confirmed that protecting community facilities was an objective of the London Plan but members were asked to be mindful that the premises was categorised as within Use Class A3 in Planning Terms (not D use; i.e. as a community facility) and that realistically the religious use could only be regarded as ancillary.   Members were also reminded that planning applications could be made whether or not the land had been purchased. 

                   Objectors felt that housing development was saturated in this area and it was alleged that there had been difficulty selling some of the recent developments which were now subject to large scale lettings.  They were particularly concerned that the proposed basement area and underground parking could make the entrance to the development undesirable.  This concern was also shared with  members; as well as the design and use of materials.  Members were  concerned generally about underground parking in the borough unless it was subject to stringent surveillance and maintenance. 

                   The applicant’s agent felt that he had addressed previous concerns about height, mass and bulk and members noted that the redevelopment complied with UDP Policy on regeneration.  Underground parking had been included in the development as the applicant felt that current on street parking was hazardous. As the applicant was not present, he felt that he could not answer the queries about surveillance and maintenance.  However, members were reminded of the recent application re Somerset Halls (to be updated further at item 9 on this agenda) whereby building maintenance had been written into the 106 agreement.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8