Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing single dwelling and erection of part 3 / part 4 storey building comprising 2 x three bed and 3 x one bed flats.

RECOMMENDATION: grant permission subject to conditions

The Committee considered a report, previously circulated, on the application to grant planning permission for 227 Alexandra Park Road N22 7BJ for the demolition of the existing building and erection of a new building comprising 2x three bed and 3x one bed flats. 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 permission subject to conditions. The Planning Officer gave a short presentation highlighting the key aspects of the report.

The following points were raised in discussion of the application by the Committee:

·        Concerns were expressed regarding the narrowness of the Alexandra Park Road and the potential for damage to be caused to the pavement in the vicinity of the development during construction works. Confirmation was provided that a condition could be imposed to address this.

·        The Committee requested that Members be invited to view the materials proposed for the development once submitted to the Council.

·        Concerns were expressed regarding the detailing of the design. It was advised that a condition could be added in relation to the scaling of windows and doors to the development.

Two objectors, Ms Avery and Mr Davies, addressed the Committee and made the following comments on the application:

·        The proposed design of the development was not inkeeping with the rest of the street

·        Insufficient arrangements had been made for parking for the scheme, with only one parking space provided in reality as the garage on site belonged to a neighbouring property.

·        The positioning of the balconies would result in loss of privacy through overlooking to neighbouring properties and also affect their current light and views.

·        Concerns were raised over the lack of consultation around the proposed demolition of the garage onsite impacting on the right of access for a number of neighbouring properties to utility meters located within and potentially adversely impacting on the boundary party wall.

·        The potential for the development to exacerbate flooding issues in the area

The applicant and his representative addressed the Committee and raised the following points:

·        The existing building was out of character with the rest of the street and would require major refurbishment in order to bring it up to modern standards.

·        The current site was underdeveloped being a double plot and the high quality design of the new building would enhance the local area and be more energy efficient.

·        A mix of dwelling units was proposed onsite including larger family flats as well as one bedroom flats to encourage a sustainable development.

·        The development included two off site parking spaces.

·        The owner of the garage located onsite had agreed to its demolition and rebuild and confirmed that access would still be provided to neighbouring properties utility meters.

The Committee agreed that further clarification be sought from the applicant regarding parking arrangements on site in light of the garage remaining under the ownership of a neighbour.

In recognition of the concerns raised by the objectors, it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 282