Agenda item

To update the Board on matters relating to management of the Park and on the Advisory and Consultative Committee’s advice on two planning applications in the Park, and for the Board to consider granting Landlord’s consent for the proposals.

Duncan Wilson and Kerri Farnsworth introduced the report as circulated. The following issues and points arose from the discussion of the Board:

Planning Applications – Little Dinosaurs

·        Planning drawings were still awaited in respect of the application, and the Palace had made it clear that they would not grant any permission without suitable drawings.

·        Colin Marr advised that the SAC and CC had suggested that the Board and Alexandra Palace management should set out strong guidance regarding what they would and would not accept in respect of tenant planning applications, so that expectations were clear before applications were made. Duncan Wilson noted this point, and advised that nevertheless it would not be possible to support any application where the applicants concerned had not provided sufficient information.

·        The Board hoped that the temporary withdrawal of the application was an indication that the tenant accepted the need to work more closely with the Palace in future.

·        Duncan Wilson proposed that, once full drawings were submitted by the tenant, the Palace consult with Colin Marr and Denis Heathcote as Chairs of the Consultative Committee and Statutory Advisory Committee respectively to ensure that the drawings submitted were consistent with the views of those committees, following which the Chair of the Board would be consulted regarding approval of the application. The Board indicated that it was content with this approach.

Planning Applications – The Garden Centre

·        Colin Marr advised that, while the SAC and CC had considered this a model application, they had raised some concerns regarding the wildflower meadow, and had been satisfied with the response provided by the applicant. The issue of the need to control the use of the proposed building had also been raised, and Duncan Wilson confirmed that permission from the Palace would be required for any sub-tenancies at this location and control would therefore be exercised.

·        With regard to rental values, the Board was asked to note that where a tenant makes improvements to their premises, the Palace was entitled to review the rental value of the premises, but must take into account the amount expended by the applicant in delivering the improvements. Tenants would be engaged as part of any rent review process of this nature, and any proposed changes would be reported back to the Board.

RESOLVED

i)             That the report and updates on the Grounds Maintenance Contract and Dog Control Orders be noted.

ii)            That the Board:

a)    Confirm its general consent to the proposal from the operator of Little Dinosaurs, having taken into account the advice from the Advisory and Consultative Committees;

b)    Grant Landlord’s Consent subject to agreement by Officers of detailed drawings consistent with this submission, and subject to clearance with the Chairs of the Advisory and Consultative Committees and the Chair of the Board.

iii)           That the Board:

a)    Approve the proposals from Capital Gardens Ltd, having taken into account the advice from the Advisory and Consultative Committees, and subject to Officers having finalised the details for Landlord’s Consent.

b)    Note the potential for a change in the rental value and delegate to the Chief Executive finalising the details and reporting back to the Board at a future meeting.