Agenda item

Proposal: Alterations and 7-storey extension (facing Lawence Road) to existing building to provide new self-storage facility (Use Class B8), new flexible workspace / incubator units and other works ancillary to the development.

Gareth Prosser, Deputy Team Leader, introduced the report for alterations and a 7-storey extension (facing Lawrence Road) to existing building to provide new self-storage facility (Use Class B8), new flexible workspace / incubator units and other works ancillary to the development.  

The following was noted in response to questions from the committee:  

• The ‘shed’ was to be retained because it was reusable, and therefore there was no need to demolish it. Incorporating the existing building rather than demolishing and rebuilding was considered more sustainable and practical. It served its purpose effectively and was incorporated into the development. As there was no change to this structure, there was no additional amenity impact on the properties to the rear, which was regarded as a significant benefit. The existing situation for residents within the conservation area therefore would not materially change. 

• There was expected to be a modest uplift in biodiversity net gain. The site is of poor ecological quality, being largely covered in concrete. Any additional landscaping would therefore have a meaningful positive impact. The existing trees on site would be retained, and new landscaping was proposed at the front of the development. The building was set slightly back from the building line of number 28, allowing for flower beds, planting, and wildflowers at the frontage. A biodiverse green roof was proposed on top of the main building, adding significantly to the overall greenery. A small, landscaped space was also proposed at the rear, which had been conditioned to ensure clarity on its final design. 

• The proposed building comprised two main elements: the retained industrial warehouse to the rear and a new-build element to the front, designed in a contemporary Art Deco warehouse style. The principal accommodation would consist of self-storage units, each forming an individual secure space allocated to a specific customer. The front-facing element would comprise light industrial units suitable for small scale industrial uses compatible with nearby residential and commercial occupiers. These units, like the self storage spaces, would be let by the developer. 

• The developer would be  owner-occupier and would construct, operate, and maintain the building. They intend to manage the letting of both the self-storage units and the small business incubator units directly. 

• The peak trip generation was forecasted at five vehicles in/out at any one time. Lawrence Road is lightly trafficked and predominantly residential, especially compared with its previous industrial use. We have no concerns from a transport or highways perspective regarding trip generation or parking demand. 

• Fab Labs (Fabrication Laboratories) were designed to be flexible, small, and cost effective. The applicant advised that they operates six similar stores in comparable  residential areas. Typical occupants lived within a 20–30 minute walking distance, often even closer. 

• The working day for the development was 09:00 to 18:00. Extended hours were available to customers from 06:00 to 23:00; however, only around 15% of existing customers across the applicant’s other stores opted for these extended hours. 

• Given the nature and scale of the building, the GLA policy has been met and, beyond this, fire safety matters were to be addressed through Building Regulations.  

The Chair asked Catherine Smyth, Head of Development Management and Enforcement Planning to sum up the recommendation as set out in the report. The Chair moved that the recommendation be approved following a vote of 8 in favour, 0 abstentions and 0 objections. 

RESOLVED 

2.1 That the Committee authorise the Head of Development Management & Planning Enforcement or the Director of Planning and Building Standards to GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out below and the completion of a legal agreement satisfactory to the Head of Development Management & Planning Enforcement or the Director of Planning and Building Standards that secures the obligations set out in the Heads of Terms below.  

2.2 That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Development Management & Planning Enforcement or the Director of Planning and Building Standards to make any alterations, additions or deletions to the recommended measures and/or recommended conditions as set out in this report and to further delegate this power provided this authority shall be exercised in consultation with the Chair (or in their absence the Vice Chair) of the Sub-Committee.  

2.3 That the agreement referred to in resolution (2.1) above is to be completed no later than 31st May 2026 within such extended time as the Head of Development Management & Planning Enforcement or the Director of Planning & Building Standards shall in her/his sole discretion allow; and  

2.4 That, following completion of the agreement(s) referred to in resolution (2.1) within the time period provided for in resolution (2.3) above, planning permission be granted in accordance with the Planning Application subject to the attachment of the conditions. 

Summary of Conditions (the full text of the recommended conditions can be found in Appendix 1 of this report).  

Conditions  

1) Time Limit  

2) Approved Plans  

3) Materials and design detail   

4) Energy Strategy  

5) Overheating   

6) BREEAM certificate  

7) Living roofs  

8) Servicing and Delivery Plan and Waste Management Plan  

9) Cycle Parking (Long and short-stay self-storage and Fab Lab)  

10) Car Parking Management Plan  

11) Demolition and Construction Management Plan (Transport)  

12) Blue Badge Parking  

13) Unexpected Contamination (Pollution)  

14) NRMM (Pollution)  

15) Management and Control of Dust    

16) Considerate Constructors Scheme  

17) Secured by Design – Accreditation   

18) Secured by Design – Certification   

19) Trees  

20) Landscaping  

21) Surface Water Drainage  

22) Gates  

23) Noise  

24) Architect Retention   

25) Hours of Operation  

Informatives  

1) NPPF  

2) CIL  

3) Hours of Construction Work   

4) Party Wall Act  

5) Street numbering  

6) Thames Water  

7) Pollution  

8) Secured by Design