Issue - meetings

Redevelopment of site comprising of single storey food store with 88 vehicle parking spaces, 4 disabled bays and 8 cycle parking spaces (Option B) (AMENDED PLANS RECEIVED)

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

The Committee considered a report, previously circulated, which set out the application for planning permission for Aldi, 570-592 High Road, Tottenham. The report set out details and analysis of the application, the site and surroundings, planning history, relevant planning policy, consultation and responses and equalities impact assessment, and recommended that permission be granted, subject to a section 106 agreement and conditions. The Planning Officer gave a presentation setting out key aspects of the report, and responded to questions from the Committee.

The following points were raised in discussion of the application:

• Concern was raised regarding the proposal for 4 parking spaces out of the total number of 88, and whether this number could be increased. It was confirmed that the number proposed was in accordance with the Council’s planning policy.
• The Committee discussed the design, and expressed concern that the proposal did not match other buildings on the High Road, and could be seen as an ‘identikit’ design that was not sympathetic with the local environment. The Planning Officer advised that the proposal was an uncompromisingly modern design which was not attempting to replicate other, more traditional, buildings in the area. It was the officer view that the materials and composition proposed constituted a good design, fit for purpose, which would make a positive contribution to the area.
• In response to concerns regarding the access arrangements, it was confirmed that the proposal would enhance the feel of the site compared with the previous arrangement; the new proposal had been subject to an independent safety audit and assessed as safe, with some minor changes relating to street furniture which would need to be addressed. Traffic flow had also been assessed, and some minor movement of existing parking spaces was proposed.
• The Committee asked how well the proposed building would age, particularly in respect of the white render on the frontage, in response to which the Planning Officer reported that it was believed that the building would be capable of being well maintained, and that any damage to the white render could be painted over. It was further reported that the site would be managed to as to reduce the risk of any damage or vandalism.
• With regard to landscaping, it was envisaged that the nature of the site would meant that there would be predominantly hard landscaping, with some soft feature such as trees; it was anticipated that the applicants would try to balance hard and soft landscaping as far as possible.
• In respect of access to the Quaker burial ground, it was confirmed that the Quakers had been consulted in respect of the proposals and had raised no objections.
• It was reported that cycle spaces had been located close to the front of the store, and that the proposed number (eight) was in line with expected use specifically related to the supermarket. Additional cycle parking was available on the High Road, intended for general trips.
• The Committee asked about the security of the footpath to the north of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 139