Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Akwasi-Ayisi.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Planning Sub Committees held on 10 and 17 November and 15 December.

Clarification was sought on the reason for the inclusion of informative 4 for the West Green Road application from 15 December meeting. Officers advised that specifying minimum Thames Water pressure levels and flow rates  allowed the developer to take them into account within the scheme design. It could not be added as a condition as it lay outside of the direct control of the applicant. 

RESOLVED

·         That the minutes of the Planning Committees held on 10 and 17 November and 15 December be approved.

Demolition of all existing buildings and construction of a part 3 to part 7 storey apartment block and a 3 storey mews block to provide 82 residential flats, including basement and undercroft car parking with 41 spaces, and comprehensive landscaping of the site.

RECOMMENDATION: grant permission subject to conditions and subject to a s106 Legal Agreement. 

The Committee considered a report on the application to grant planning permission for the demolition of all existing buildings and construction of a part 3 to part 7 storey apartment block and a 3 storey mews block to provide 82 residential flats, including basement and undercroft car parking with 41 spaces and comprehensive landscaping of the site. 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 and subject to a s106 legal agreement.

The planning officer gave a short presentation highlighting the key aspects of the report. The Committee’s attention was drawn to a tabled addendum setting out details of a further representation received; an amendment to s106 head of terms covering car club membership and car parking management plan; a number of amendments to conditions; and a Conservation Officer response covering the impact of the development on the nearby listed church. An amendment was also advised to the recommendation set out within the report to read ‘that the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission and that the Head of Development Management is delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives and subject to sec. 106 Legal Agreement to secure the following matters…..’

The Committee were advised that the Council’s new draft Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) was due to go to Cabinet on 20 January for approval to release for public consultation. Although the document had limited weight at the current stage, it identified for the site a 5 storey height limit but with the potential for a higher element to mark the transition towards Archway Road local shopping centre. The officer view was also outlined that the scheme would have limited to no impact on the setting of the nearby church  when assessed against the enhancement of the Conservation Area by virtue of the redevelopment of the site. 

A number of objectors to the application addressed the Committee and raised the following points:

·         The mass, height and bulk of the scheme was of concern, in particular the increase to 7 storeys on Archway Road, and which would have a detrimental impact on the Conservation Area and damage heritage assets.

·         The 7 storey element would set a precedent for the development of taller buildings within the Conservation Area.

·         Although new developments and affordable housing provision were welcomed in Highgate, following the consultation with local people on the development of the Site Allocations DPD, an agreed brief had been outlined for the site centred on a 2-3 storey building rising to 4-5 storeys on Archway Road. The Highgate Forum were therefore upset that the Council had departed from this position.

·         Density levels for the scheme were considered too high and set in order to ensure the viability of the scheme. Levels should be lowered to protect the Conservation Area.

·         No separate assessment had been made of the scheme against  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To advise of major proposals in the pipeline including those awaiting the issue of the decision notice following a committee resolution and subsequent signature of the section 106 agreement; applications submitted and awaiting determination; and proposals being discussed at the pre-application stage.

The Committee considered an update on major planning proposals in the pipeline.

Concern was raised over the scale of development potentially to be brought forward at Hale Wharf, particularly proposals for an up to 16 storey building. Officers advised that the scheme was at very early application phase, with the planning service yet to take a view on proposals and which would be made within the context of Tottenham Hale’s growth area designation, development potential and good transport links which supported higher density schemes. It was anticipated that early proposals would be submitted to a pre-application Planning Committee in March.

Clarification was sought on the affordable housing contribution for the Furnival House scheme. It was confirmed that the permission granted in 2010 included an £1.5m offsite affordable housing contribution to be paid on completion. It was advised that it would not be feasible to renegotiate the s106 agreement as part of the determination of the s73 application due for submission.

Cllr Rice requested additional details on the Lea Valley Techno Park application. Officers advised that an extension was planned within the envelope of the school building and that further details would be emailed to Cllr Rice.

RESOLVED

·         That the report be noted.

To advise of decisions taken under delegated powers between 1 December and 31 December 2014.

The Committee considered an update report on applications determined under delegated powers between 1 and 31 December 2014.

RESOLVED

·         That the report be noted.

Pre-application briefing Planning Committee on 27 January.

The Chair advised that the next scheduled meeting on 27 January would be cancelled as there were currently no pre-application briefings requiring consideration.

The Planning Committee meeting on 16 February had been provisionally allocated for the Alexandra Palace planning application.