Issue - meetings

The proposal had been presented to the Quality Review Panel in May to broad support, subject to further architectural refinement. Concerns had been raised regarding the density of the scheme and whether this could be mitigated to a degree through the provision of additional workspace.

·         The applicant’s early intentions in relation to affordable housing provision were questioned within the context of the Council’s 50% target. The applicant advised that consultants had been engaged to undertake a viability assessment but that initial proposals were for a tenure blind development with affordable units provided onsite, potentially layered at first floor level.

·         In response to concerns regarding the loss of the current employment space onsite, it was advised that the space was of low quality and hence suffered from low occupancy rates. 

·         The demand for additional A1 units on Archway Road was questioned. The applicant advised that discussions were progressing with a number of interested businesses in the retail/leisure sector.

·         Clarification was given on the intention to provide 7 parking spaces onsite allocated to the larger residential units and wheelchair accessible unit, with the remainder of the site designated car free.

·         The Committee requested that consideration be given to design features to make the front fascia less prominent and the use of the space in front of the bay windows as an accessible green roof space.

·         Confirmation was provided that the amenity space provided would exceed the minimum standards required.

·         A request from the Highgate Neighbourhood Forum for the retention of the workshop space currently provided onsite was passed onto the applicant.

·         The applicant provided assurance that external metal roller shutters would not be used to the ground floor commercial units.

·         The Committee queried the future management of deliveries to the proposed commercial units. The applicant advised that a management plan was currently being developed, with likely continuation of current loading arrangements off Causton Road, with accompanying restrictions on hours of use. 

It was anticipated that the full application would come before Committee for determination in September following the completion of further consultation including the hosting of a local exhibition.