Issue - meetings

The main areas of concern for officers were bulk and height, parking and the number of units proposed.

It was anticipated that the design would go before a Development Management Forum meeting in early September. A number of community design workshop sessions had already been held.

Cllr Hare as a local ward Councillor raised a number of objections to the proposed scheme including the height, the building line on Bishops Road, the size of the courtyard amenity space, the number of units, the visibility of the development from Highgate Woods and lack of opportunity for screening via mature trees.

Members made the following comments on the scheme:

·         Concern that the height (7 storeys at the apex) would set a precedence for future developments in the area. Officers confirmed that they had only received a copy of the proposed design at a late stage and had yet to give formal consideration to the design and height proposed. It was advised however that the site would be suited to a landmark building.

·         It was queried whether the social housing would be pepperpotted through the development. The developers confirmed the intention for the scheme to be tenure blind internally and externally, with the social housing units contained within a defined core to allow for ease of management. It was advised that social housing providers were often reluctant to manage pepperpotted units.

·         The allocation of parking was questioned, particularly for the affordable housing units. The developers informed that although that level of detailed planning had yet to be undertaken, it was anticipated that the allocation would be tenure blind, with a preference towards the larger family sized units.

·         Concerns were expressed over the high value of the land and the subsequent impact on the developer’s financial viability calculations in determining the level of affordable housing to be provided. It was considered that developers were aware of the Council’s policy in relation to affordable housing and that high land values should not be used as an excuse to avoid compliance.

·         Members queried whether the number of proposed units could be reduced. The developers advised that a 9 unit reduction had already been made from the initial plan and that it was likely that the scheme would not be viable with any fewer.