Issue - meetings

Application to replace an extant planning permission reference HGY/2009/1768 in order to extend the time limit for implementation, for demolition of 32 existing lock-up garages and erection of 4 x 2 / 3 storey three bedroom houses with associated landscaping and 8 parking spaces.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission to replace extant permission.

The Committee considered a report, previously circulated, on the application to replace an extant planning permission due to expire on 15 January 2013 for the land to the rear of 27-47 Cecile Park, N8. The report set out details of the proposal, the site and surroundings, planning history, relevant planning policy, consultation and responses, analysis, equalities and human rights implications and recommended to grant approval to replace the extant permission. Vincent Maher, the Council’s Head of Development Management, gave a short presentation highlighting the key aspects of the report. It was advised that the site had a long planning history including numerous planning appeals considering issues including the impact of redevelopment on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and on the residential amenity, the loss of garages currently located on the site and the design and form of the proposed development. The most recent planning appeal in 2009 found the proposed scheme to be acceptable subject to a reduction in the number of units down to four. Subsequent to this, the current planning approval had been granted for the demolition of 32 lock up garages on the site and the erection of 4 two storey three bedroom homes by Planning Committee on 15 January 2010.

The Committee examined the drawings and plans.

Two local residents addressed the Committee in objection to the application and raised the following issues in their presentations and responses to questions from the Committee:

·        That the plans and cross-sections submitted as part of the application were misleading and did not accurately reflect current rear extensions and rear gardens to adjoining houses on Tregaron Avenue and Elm Grove and therefore their proximity to the development site. The accuracy of the tree profiles and the height of one of the proposed houses was also questioned, resulting in concerns over the impact of the development on neighbouring properties, in particular a detrimental effect on privacy. Concerns were raised over the potential for misleading plans to have prejudiced the most recent planning appeal although on questioning, it was confirmed that the Planning Inspector had additionally undertaken a comprehensive site visit as part of his investigation.

·        Owing to the introduction of a CPZ in the area and a subsequent increase in parking pressures in the locality, retention of the existing use of the site for garages would now be of more value to local residents.

·        Concerns were expressed on the risks associated with removal of the asbestos roofing from the garages during demolition and treatment for potential Japanese knotweed on the site.

·        It was considered that there had been a lack of engagement by the developers with local residents and that further consultation should be undertaken on current plans in order to seek to find a way forward to satisfy both parties. 

The architect commissioned by the applicant addressed the Committee in support of the application and responded to questions:

·        It was emphasised that over the history of the planning applications made for the site, the number of dwellings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 258