Agenda item
1-12 and 13-24 inc. Leeland Way, London, NW10 1SA (Ref. 14/2515)
Decision:
Granted planning permission subject to conditions including a new 'permit free' condition and amended conditions 4, 4c, 6 and 7.
Minutes:
PROPOSAL:
Construction of roof extensions to create a third floor over two existing blocks
of flats at 1-12 and 13-24 Leeland Way, to form 6 new self-contained flats (2 x
1bed and 4 x 2bed) with associated cycle parking spaces and bin stores
RECOMMENDATION: Grant planning permission subject to conditions.
With reference to the supplementary report, Andy Bates (Area Planning Manager) explained that each flat within the development would be allocated a parking space to the rear of the site. With the proposed 'permit free' agreement, future occupiers would not be able to obtain parking permits for on-street parking in addition to their off-street provision, thus preventing additional pressure for the existing on-street spaces. He did not consider that the removal of the garages was necessary but if they were removed then this should enable improvements to hard surfaces and landscaping in that site. In respect of the car park to the rear of the flats on the opposite side of the road, he reported that the applicant’s agent had confirmed that it was being used as a temporary compound for the contractors but would be cleared.
Andy Bates advised members that as the existing refuse facilities were neither used, or capable of being used, the waste management of the site needed to be considered in some detail and made clear to the applicant of the need for this if the additional units were to be built. He added that as the applicant had indicated that he would accept the proposed condition regarding refuse storage, this would ensure there was a formalised and convenient arrangement for storage for the existing and proposed units without obstructing the vehicular route. The Area Planning Manager continued that the agent had advised that the corner site hoarding which was boarded up during the site visit would, in the meantime, be painted and in due course, repaired. The Area Planning Manager addressed the issues raised by Councillor Long and added that the details agreed by condition would make clear that nothing can be stored that could obstruct the vehicular access route.
In the ensuing debate, members felt that due to their poor condition, the garages could be demolished and replaced with marked bays for car parking so as to alleviate pressure on parking within the development site. The Chair concurred with that view and added that appropriate lighting to the site should also be sought. It was also suggested that part of the garage site could be landscaped for use as a children’s play area. A member remarked that the proximity of the bins sheds to the garages could obstruct access for refuse trucks to the site and enquired as to measures that could be put in place to prevent any possible obstruction to the access route.
In responding to the above, the Area Planning Manager stated that condition 4 could be amended to ensure adequate landscaping to the site and to achieve an improvement to the vehicle turning areas. The Head of Planning added that condition 7 could be amended to ensure the proposed bin store complied with safer street guidance. In addition to the amendments stated above, members agreed a further amendment to condition 6 for the demolition of the garages to make more room for car parking spaces.
The Chair noted that part of the front of the building on the opposite side of the road was of timber cladding and suggested that in order to maintain consistency of the façade of the building an additional condition could be imposed. Andy Bates advised that the suggestion advising that there should be no changes to the façade should be sought through an informative rather than a planning condition. He added that as a property issue, it was the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that all communal areas were free from any obstruction. A member enquired as to whether there was a planning guideline on the number of upper floors for which there was a need for a lift service. Clarification was also sought on references to the report on archaeological interest. The Head of Planning clarified that the threshold for new build was 4 floors but as the application before members was for 3 floors, there was no requirement for a lift. He continued that although the northern building was identified as a site of archaeological importance, as no development was proposed at ground floor other than cycle and refuse storage, there was no archaeological interest in the site and as such there was no need for a condition relating to ground works.
In approving the application subject to conditions, members reaffirmed the following amendments to conditions as set out below;
condition 4 to include the disused bin area and the path;
condition 4c to include the vehicle turning area and drive area;
condition 6 for the demolition of garages to make more parking spaces and lighting;
condition 7 to specify rubbish collection point to meet carry distance and safer street guidance.
DECISION: Planning permission granted as recommended subject to amendments in conditions 4, 6 and 7.
Supporting documents: