Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received Councillor Patel for whom Councillor Egan was substituting.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business.  Late items will be considered under the agenda item where they appear.  New items will be dealt with at item 22 below.

No items of Urgent Business were received.

A member with a personal interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered must disclose to that meeting the existence and nature of that interest at the commencement of that consideration, or when the interest becomes apparent.

A member with a personal interest in a matter also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice the member's judgment of the public interest and if this interest affects their financial position or the financial position of a person or body as described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct and/or if it relates to the determining of any approval, consent, licence, permission or registration in relation to them or any person or body described in paragraph 8 of the Code of Conduct.

Councillor Egan declared a personal and prejudicial interest with respect to Item 7 as the site was in his Ward and he had made representations against the previous application.  Councillor Egan further declared a personal interest in respect of Item 18, as he was currently a governor of St Thomas More School.

To consider receiving deputations and/or petitions in accordance with Part Four, Section B, Paragraph 29 of the Council’s Constitution.

None received.

To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Planning Committee held on 2^nd December 2008.

The Committee was asked to agree the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 2 December 2008.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2008 be agreed and signed.

The following item is likely to be the subject of a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting as it contains exempt information as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended by Section 12A of the Local Government Act 1982); namely information relating to the business or financial affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

That the press and public present be excluded from the meeting as Item 7 contained exempt information, as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended by Section 12A of the Local Government Act 1982); namely information relating to the business or financial affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information).

To seek Members’ guidance on the scope of evidence to be submitted at a forthcoming Public Inquiry.

Prior to the consideration of this Item Councillor Egan declared a prejudicial interest and left the room during its consideration.

The Committee considered this item in private.

RESOLVED:

That evidence should not be put forward in relation to the reason for refusal (reason 3) based on Highways and Traffic issues, and that the Appellant and the Planning Inspectorate be informed of this decision. 

That the Committee are asked to resolve to re-admit the public and press into the proceedings to hear the unrestricted item on the agenda as stated.

RESOLVED:

That members of the press and public excluded from the meeting under Item 6 be re-admitted to meeting for the unrestricted agenda items.  

To advise the Committee on Appeal decision determined by the Department for Communities and Local Government during November 2008.

The Committee received a report detailing the outcomes of appeal decisions during November 2008.

It was noted that of the eleven appeals that took place during the period five had been allowed and six rejected.  A review of the decision making process was planned in order to improve decisions in line with government and Haringey targets.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To inform the Committee of decision made under delegated powers by the Heads of Development Control (North & South) and the Chair of the above Committee between 17 November 2008 and 21 December 2008.

The Committee received a report setting out the decisions made under delegated powers by the Heads of Development Control (North and South) and the Chair of the Planning Committee during the period 17 November to 21 December 2008.

In response to a query in relation to planning application HGY/2008/2012, the Committee was advised that the existing sheds had been demolished in order to provide space for a new communal facility for allotment users.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To advise the Committee of Performance Statistics for Development Control and Planning Enforcement Action since the 8^th December 2008 Committee meeting.

The Committee received a report setting out performance against Development Control and Planning Enforcement targets since the previous meeting.

It was noted that the Service was required to review the way that performance information was presented and that suggestions from the Committee, including incorporating information based on a calendar year,  would be considered as part of this.

There was agreement that performance during previous years should also be shown as a comparator.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report be noted.

2. That performance information should be also be presented based on the Calendar year.

3. That performance information for previous years should be included in future reports to enable comparisons to be made.

To inform Members of the Planning Committee of progress on reducing open planning enforcement cases and on service improvements.

The Committee received a report setting out performance in relation to reducing the number of open Enforcement Cases.

It was noted that a range of measures had been employed to improve the service provided and these were set out in the Action Plan. As part of this an Improvement Group had been established, which was Chaired by the Assistant Director of Frontline Services and had met on a monthly basis. This group had now had its last meeting and any outstanding issues were being taken forward by new regular meetings Chaired by the Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Economy.

The Committee was advised that Members had been consulted on changes to planning guidance, how this could be improved and their views incorporated.

In response to concerns in relation to the cost of undertaking prosecution proceedings and suggestions that there should be more discussion with applicants to resolve issues of concern before prosecution, the Committee was advised that, wherever possible, there were extensive negations before prosecution proceedings began. It was noted that the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee also monitored enforcement action.

Members particularly raised comments in relation to the performance indicators (PIs) table in appendix 2 of the report and felt that the information provided was not easily interpreted.  The Head of Planning assured the Committee that the information provided would be reviewed and indeed, would like to see a PI which indicated the level of compliance.   Enforcement Plan 7 - 12 on the table demonstrated actions taken against perpetrators however, it would be useful to see the effects of this action. 

The Committee was advised that the Service was at an early stage of the Enforcement Improvement Plan and the initial purpose was to reduce the backlog of cases, demonstrate enforcement action and what the Authority’s current position was in relation to action taken.  It was proposed that future reports should demonstrate that enforcement action was a success and this would be via a newsletter publishing examples of enforcement action delivered, the effects and outcomes.    

RESOLVED:

That the recommendations outlined in the report be agreed:

1. That the progress on reducing the number of open enforcement cases be noted.

2. That the progress made to date in improving service performance and the arrangements in place for the delivery and monitoring of these service improvements.  

To confirm the following Tree Preservation Orders:

1. Land situated at 112 Crouch Hill N8.

The Officer advised the Committee that the Arboriculturalist had reported that the tree was of amenity value and the species (Caucasion Wingnut) was uncommon and rare.

RESOLVED

That the following Tree Preservation Order be confirmed:

1. 112 Crouch Hill N8.

Report of the Director of Urban Environment to inform Members of changes in the Regulations set by Government for defining Permitted Development for Householders, and of possible implications for management and control development.

The officer presented the report to the Committee and advised that the government had made changes to the general permitted development order which came into force on 1 October 2008.  The government had reduced the number of dwelling houses applications requiring formal planning permission.  The implications of the changes meant stronger controls in conservations areas, new areas of controls on terraces and verandas, controls on over looking. 

It was noted that this could have an impact on appeal decisions over the next few months.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.

Approval of details pursuant to conditions 5 (unloading facilities), 6 (materials), 8 (wash down areas / facilities), 10 (enclosure), 11 (hard / soft landscaping), 12 (levels of buildings, roads, parking areas), 13 (compliance noise monitoring programme), 14 (scheme specifying physical / administrative provisions to control noise), 18 (acoustic walls), 20 (measures to control and contain dust), 21 (covered conveyor systems), 26 (traffic control / management system), 31 (western loop), 40 (surface water) and 43 (wheel wash facility) attached to planning appeal reference APP/Y5420/A/05/1189822, original planning reference HGY/2005/0007.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission.

The Committee considered a report in relation to the application above and was provided with an overview of the salient points by the Planning Officer.

The Committee was reminded that permission had been granted on appeal following a public enquiry and therefore, as part of the permission the Planning Inspector had attached forty-three conditions, fourteen of which required submission of and approval of details before development on the site could commence. In addition to the conditions attached the applicant had also agreed a Unilateral Undertaking that contained a Dust and Noise Management Schemes.

In response to a concerns in relation to vehicular access and the provision of signage on the site, the Committee was advised that there was signage that made it clear that it was one way only.

The Planning Inspector had not placed any restrictions on junctions outside and had not considered that Tottenham Lane would be adversely affected by additional traffic accessing the site.

A representative from Action for Kids, (located near to the application site) addressed the Committee in objection to the application.  Concern was raised regarding the additional traffic that the site would attract and specifically the impact upon the junction at Tottenham Lane.  It was noted that many of the young people accessing the centre had serious health problems and it was contended that managing the traffic would seriously impact on the service provided to Haringey’s most vulnerable children, particularly when walking between their two buildings.

Councillor Ed Butcher spoke in objection to the application and raised concern at the length of time it had taken for the technical report to be made publicly available. He contended that there had not been sufficient consultation with local residents and that condition thirteen did not include adequate detail as to how the noise management scheme would be managed.

The Committee was reminded that planning permission had been granted and that the principal of granting permission was not being considered. The only issue being considered at present were the conditions attached and how these would be implemented and managed.

The applicants representative addressed the Committee and reiterated that the Committee was not considering the principal of granting planning permission as this had already been granted by the Planning Inspector. She noted that the conditions attached by the Planning Inspector were robust and comprehensive and that these had been published in advance of the meeting allowing members of the public the opportunity to consider what was proposed. 

The Committee discussed the proposed noise and dust management schemes and it was noted that the noise levels would initially be monitored at three month intervals. The frequency of monitoring would be increased if necessary. It was noted that all vehicles waiting to unload goods would be required to turn their engines off.  

In response to a query as to what the procedure was for members of the public wishing to make a complaint in relation to the site, the Committee was advised that the first point of contact would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 352.

Erection of four storey plus basement student housing block comprising 28 studio units, plus associated parking, refuse and recycling to the rear.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions and to a Section 106 Agreement.

The Committee considered a report in relation to the application above and was provided with an overview of the salient points by the Planning Officer.

It was noted that the application was for student accommodation. Previous applications for normal residential flats had been refused on the grounds of overdevelopment, reduced amenity space and refusal to sign a Section 106 Agreement.

In response to a query the Committee was advised that the use of the building was limited to student accommodation by condition. If the use was to be altered an application would have to be made and submitted to the Committee for consideration. 

There was agreement that two informatives should be added requesting that a maintenance scheme be put in place to ensure that the grounds and communal areas were properly maintained and that a second informative be added requesting that the Police were consulted in relation to the design of the scheme.

Concern was that refuse would have to be taken further than was usually desirable for collection and via a cobbled surface and there was agreement that Waste Management should be contacted to discuss this.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to conditions, informatives and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

INFORMATION RELATING TO APPLICATION REF: HGY/2008/2072

FOR PLANNING COMMITTEE DATED 13/01/2009

Location: 673 Lordship Lane N22

Proposal: Erection of four storey plus basement student housing block comprising 28 studio units, plus associated parking, refuse and recycling to the rear.

Recommendation: Grant subject to conditions and Legal Agreement

Decision: Grant subject to conditions and Legal Agreement

Drawing No’s: 0822 003, 152, 153, 200, 210 & 211.

Conditions:

1.       The development hereby authorised must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission, failing which the permission shall be of no effect.     

Reason: This condition is imposed by virtue of the provisions of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and to prevent the accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.

2.       The development hereby authorised shall be carried out in complete accordance with the plans and specifications submitted to, and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  

Reason: In order to ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the approved details and in the interests of amenity.  

3.       Samples of all materials to be used for the external surfaces of the development shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority before any development is commenced.  Samples should include sample panels or brick types and a roofing material sample combined with a schedule of the exact product references. Reason: In order for the Local Planning Authority to retain control over the exact materials to be used for the proposed development and to assess the suitability of the samples submitted in the interests of visual amenity.  

4.       That details of all levels on the site in relation to the surrounding area be submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority.        

Reason: In order to ensure that any works in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 353.

Erection of two storey building providing 1582 sqm. of additional teaching / learning accommodation for music, drama and media studies. Erection of single storey extension to the Learning Resources Centre (Library). Provision of new visitors entrance to school, new lift, new main stairs and remodelling of 205 sqm. of existing space.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions.

Prior to the consideration of this Item Councillor Egan declared a prejudicial interest and left the Chamber during its consideration. 

The Committee considered a report in relation to the application above and was provided with an overview of the salient points by the Planning Officer.

It was noted that although the site was not within a Conservation Area part of the original building was Listed. The Conservation Team did not object to the design proposed and therefore the application was acceptable in this respect.

In response to concerns regarding the environmental efficiency of the proposal the Committee was advised that due to existing buildings situated on the site and its orientation, there were constraints upon what could be achieved on the site.  However, measures had been taken wherever possible to ensure that the building would be as energy efficient as possible given the constraints of the site.

The Committee was advised that Condition three dealt with the materials that were to be used in the scheme and that this captured Members concerns in relation to this issue. In addition to this there was agreement that an Informative should be added requesting that the colours used should be agreed in consultation with the planning officer and the school.  A further informative that extra  trees were planted in relation to landscaping.

RESOLVED:

That the application be granted subject to conditions and an informative that the colours used in relation to the building be agreed in consultation with the planning officer and the school and that extra trees be planted in relation to  landscaping.

INFORMATION RELATING TO APPLICATION REF: HGY/2008/2160

FOR PLANNING COMMITTEE DATED 13/01/2009

Location: St Thomas More RC School, Glendale Avenue N22

Proposal: Erection of two storey building providing 1582 sqm. of additional teaching / learning accommodation for music, drama and media studies. Erection of single storey extension to the Learning Resources Centre (Library). Provision of new visitors entrance to school, new lift, new main stairs and remodelling of 205 sqm. of existing space.

Recommendation: Grant subject to conditions

Decision: Grant subject to conditions

Drawing No’s: 660/AL(0)001, 010, 011, 012, 013, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 025 & 030.

Conditions:

1.         The development hereby authorised must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission, failing which the permission shall be of no effect.

Reason: This condition is imposed by virtue of the provisions of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and to prevent the accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions. 

2.         The development hereby authorised shall be carried out in complete accordance with the plans and specifications submitted to, and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In order to ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the approved details and in the interests of amenity. 

3.         Notwithstanding the description of the materials in the application, no development shall be commenced until precise details of the materials to be used in connection with the development hereby permitted have been submitted to,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 354.

Demolition of rear parts of the existing Town Hall Building; retention / refurbishment of frontage building with continued A2, B1 and D1 uses, demolition of the existing Clyde Road Depot buildings, including  the existing bunker, (retaining central part of South Range Building) and erection of 4 blocks of houses / flats between 3 and 5 storeys comprising 109 units, associated landscaping, car parking and means of access.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions and subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Committee considered a report in relation to the application above and was provided with an overview of the salient points by the Planning Officer.

Prior to the consideration of the application the Planning Officer advised the Committee of a number of amendments to the report:

1. Under ownership it should state: Publicand not private.
2. Under planning designations it should include: Tottenham High Road Regeneration Corridor.
3. Under details of proposal:

            Paragraph 2: should read 11 x 3 bed and 4 x 4 bed units.

            Paragraph 3: should read “the central element of three and four storeys           being linked to the Town Hall Building”.

            Paragraph 6: should read 25 car parking spaces being provided         instead of 26.

4. Under consultation it should state: English Heritage.
5. Under responses: LFCDA had originally expressed concerns, these were discussed and they were now satisfied.
6. Under analysis/assessment of the application:

            Sub paragraph: design and appearance, paragraph 2: should read     three and four storey buildings and not two and four.

            Sub paragraph: Traffic and parking provision, paragraph 2: should read          25 car spaces in two locations.

The Committee was reminded that the site was included within a Conservation Area where there was an existing Master Plan and Brief in place. One of the Brief’s objectives was to restore and refurbish the Town Hall to preserve the character of the area.

It was noted that the development would include a proportion of properties under the New Build Home Buy –Rent to Home Buy scheme and applicants would be selected under the normal nomination arrangements in place for the North London Sub-Region. The Committee was advised that the aim of the scheme was to ensure that new build homes for sale under shared ownership schemes did not become void due to the current economic environment. This would also encourage developers and Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) to continue to commence developments.

The Committee was advised that housing under this scheme would not be distributed throughout the site.

In response to concerns that the current public transport infrastructure was insufficient to cope with the additional users that the development would create, the Committee was advised that when considering applications the Planning Authority referred to the plans published by Transport for London (TfL), which set out future investment and development. In the case of this development plans issued by TfL indicated that local transport infrastructure would be able to cope with the addition level of use generated by the development.

It was noted that residents using commercial vehicles as part of their employment may incur difficulties finding somewhere to park once the permit scheme proposed was introduced and it was suggested that the Council should develop an approach to address this.

There was agreement that a photographer should be employed to make a record of the site prior to work commencing and that an informative should be attached requesting that larger species of trees be used wherever possible. 

RESOLVED:

That the application be granted subject to conditions, informatives  ...  view the full minutes text for item 355.

Listed building consent for demolition of rear parts of the existing Town Hall Building; retention / refurbishment of frontage building with continued A2, B1 and D1 uses, demolition of the existing Clyde Road Depot buildings, includign existing bunker, (retaining central part of South Ranger Building) and erection of 4 blocks of houses / flats between 3 and 5 storeys comprising 109 units, associated landscaping, car parking and means of access.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant consent subject to conditions and subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Committee was asked to consider listed building consent for the application outlined in PC335.  The Planning Officer provided an overview of the salient points outlined in the report.

RESOLVED: 

That Listed Building Consent be granted subject to conditions, informatives and the tabled amendments. 

INFORMATION RELATING TO APPLICATION REF: HGY/2008/2036

FOR PLANNING COMMITTEE DATED 13/01/2009

Location: Tottenham Town Hall, Town Hall Approach Road N15

Proposal: Listed Building Consent for demolition of rear parts of the existing Town Hall Building; retention / refurbishment of frontage building with continued A2, B1 and D1 uses, demolition of the existing Clyde Road Depot buildings, includign existing bunker, (retaining central part of South Ranger Building) and erection of 4 blocks of houses / flats between 3 and 5 storeys comprising 109 units, associated landscaping, car parking and means of access.

Recommendation: Grant subject to conditions

Decision: Grant subject to conditions

Drawing No’s: J06.357/D(01)01, 02, 03C, 04 -11, 12A,13A, 14, 15A 16B , 20 - 26 incl., 30, 31A, 32A, 33A, 34A, 40 - 50 incl., 60, 61, 100, 101 & 102.

Conditions:

1.       The works of demolition or alteration by way of partial demolition hereby approved shall not be commenced before contract(s) for the carrying out of the completion of the entire scheme of works for which consent is hereby granted, including the works contract, have been made and evidence of such contract(s) has been submitted to and accepted in writing by the Council as local planning authority.

Reason: To ensure that premature demolition does not take place.

2a.     Before any work is undertaken in pursuance of this consent to demolish or to alter by way of partial demolition of any part of the Town Hall building, structural engineers' drawings a method statement, indicating the proposed method of ensuring the safety and stability of the building fabric to be retained throughout the period of demolition and reconstruction, shall be submitted to and approved by the Council as local planning authority. The relevant work shall be carried out in accordance with such structural engineers' drawings   method statement thus approved.

Reason: In order to safeguard the special architectural or historic interest of the building.

2b.     Before any work is undertaken in pursuance of this consent to demolish or to alter by way of partial demolition of any part of the Clock House Range building, structural engineers' drawings a method statement, indicating the proposed method of ensuring the safety and stability of the building fabric to be retained throughout the period of demolition and reconstruction, shall be submitted to and approved by the Council as local planning authority. The relevant work shall be carried out in accordance with such structural engineers' drawings   method statement thus approved.

Reason: In order to safeguard the special architectural or historic interest of the building.

3.       The position, type and method of installation of all new and relocated services and related fixtures (for the avoidance of doubt including communications and information technology servicing), shall be specified in advance of any work being carried out,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 356.

Conservation area consent for demolition of rear parts of the existing Town Hall Building; retention / refurbishment of frontage building with continued A2, B1 and D1 uses, demolition of the existing Clyde Road Depot buildings, including existing bunker, (retaining central part of South Range Building) and erection of 4 blocks of houses / flats between 3 and 5 storeys comprising 109 units, associated landscaping, car parking and means of access.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant consent subject to conditions and subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Committee was asked to consider Conservation Area Consent in relation to the application outlined in PC355 above and was provided with an overview of the salient points by the Planning Officer.

RESOLVED:

That Conservation Area Consent be granted subject to conditions and the tabled amendments.

INFORMATION RELATING TO APPLICATION REF: HGY/2008/2035

FOR PLANNING COMMITTEE DATED 13/01/2009

Location: Tottenham Town Hall, Town Hall Approach Road N15

Proposal: Conservation Area Consent for demolition of rear parts of the existing Town Hall Building; retention / refurbishment of frontage building with continued A2, B1 and D1 uses, demolition of the existing Clyde Road Depot buildings, including existing bunker, (retaining central part of South Range Building) and erection of 4 blocks of houses / flats between 3 and 5 storeys comprising 109 units, associated landscaping, car parking and means of access.

Recommendation: Grant Consent subject to conditions

Decision: Grant Consent subject to conditions

Drawing No’s: J06.357/D(01)01, 02, 03C, 04 -11, 12A,13A, 14, 15A 16B , 20 - 26 incl., 30, 31A, 32A, 33A, 34A, 40 - 50 incl., 60, 61, 100, 101 & 102.

Conditions:

1.       The development hereby authorised must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission, failing which the permission shall be of no effect.     

Reason: This condition is imposed by virtue of the provisions of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and to prevent the accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.

2.       The development hereby authorised shall be carried out in complete accordance with the plans and specifications submitted to, and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  

Reason: In order to ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the approved details and in the interests of amenity.

3.       The demolition hereby permitted shall not be undertaken before a contract for the carrying out of the works of redevelopment of the site has been made and planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment for which the contract provides. Reason: In order to safeguard the special architectural or historic interest of the building.

Section 106: No.

To consider any items admitted at item 2 above.

There were no new items of urgent business.

Monday 2 February 2009 at 7:00pm.

Monday 9 February 2009 at 7:00pm.

The meeting concluded at 10:10pm.