Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing workshop and erection of new 3 storey block to provide 2 x 3 bedroom and 5 x 2 bedroom self contained units incorporating garden areas to front and rear.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions and subject to s106 legal agreement.

The Committee considered a report, previously circulated, which set out the application for planning permission at 274 Archway Road, the site and surroundings, planning history, relevant planning policy, consultation and responses, analysis of the application and equalities impact assessment. The report recommended that permission be granted, subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement as set out in the report. The Planning Officer gave a presentation outlining key aspects of the report, and advised of a further recommended condition in addition to those set out in the report, as follows:

“Notwithstanding the approved plans, a fully annotated and dimensioned elevation and section drawing of the proposed Archway Road frontage; illustrating the detailed design of all architectural features and facing materials, including design details of the door and windows surrounds, the window reveals, the window sill and bracket detail, the dentil band etc. (at a scale of 1:20) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the development.

Reason: To ensure that the development  is of the highest quality standard to preserve the character and appearance of this part of Highgate Conservation Area.”

The Committee asked about the principle of employment use on the site, and it was confirmed that the site would require substantial investment in order to remain as an employment site, due to the condition of the existing buildings. It was the officer view that the site met the criteria for change of use as set out in planning policy. The Committee examined the plans.

In response to questions to the Planning Officer after viewing the plans, the following points were raised:

• The site was designated car-free as it was in a restricted conversion area, due to existing parking pressures. The site was close to Highgate and Archway tube stations, was served by local buses and was also in an area with several local car clubs operating. It was confirmed that disabled residents would always have the right to apply for a disabled parking space, regardless of existing parking restrictions.
• The Committee asked that a condition be added with regard to continuing the banding elements of the existing houses, and it was suggested that the wording of the additional condition as set out above be amended to incorporate specific reference to this.
• With regard to the retained rear wall, the Committee asked whether it would be possible to add a condition that any reconstruction or repair of the wall be carried out either by re-use or matching of the existing bricks. It was agreed that a condition could be added requesting that such details would need to be agreed with the local authority.

The Chair moved the recommendations of the report and it was:

RESOLVED

That, subject to the wording of the condition relating to details of the proposed Archway Road frontage to include reference to banding, and an additional condition regarding the use of materials in the rear wall:

1)     Planning permission be granted in accordance with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 137