Agenda item
Uxendon Manor Primary School, Vista Way, Harrow, HA3 0UX (Ref.15/5240)
Decision:
Granted planning permission as recommended and an informative
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Expansion of current 2FE to 4FE primary school with associated landscape works and including:
1. Demolition of two classroom blocks, sports hall, toilet wing and staff room.
2. Construction of new 2 storey block providing 16 classrooms and associated spaces linking to existing building, new single storey providing 4 classrooms and associated spaces in SE corner of the site and a new larger sports hall.
3. Internal alterations and remodelling to main school building providing enlarged reception and main entrance, converting existing reception classrooms into new music/dance studio space and upgrading and remodelling of the existing kitchen and dining hall.
4. New incoming electrical connection
5. Provision of temporary classrooms and toilets for the duration of the works, including creation of services connections
RECOMMENDATION: Grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the Draft Decision Notice.
David Glover (Area Planning Manager) introduced the scheme and with reference to the supplementary report, responded to queries raised during the site visit. He reported that grey-water use wasdiscounted because ofthe relativelylowwatervolume used in the kitchen and sinks and the capital cost and use of the area for storage/treatment/pump plant. He added that the storage of rain water could also eventuallyoverflowto attenuation tanks which was alreadyproviding sustainable drainage. He continued that officers in Transportation had also advisedthata number of parking restrictions were beingconsideredwithin the area which would include theintroduction ofa 3hr restriction along WoodcockHill. David Glover also drew members’ attention to the relevant paragraphs in the main report that addressed the highways concerns expressed by some residents.
John Poole (local resident) objected to the proposed development on the grounds that the local area was already experiencing serious problems with flooding and road drainage. He circulated pictures showing the flooding of the school playing fields. He added that the sewer system which was currently working to full capacity with overspills from Shaftesbury Avenue would not be able to cope with the school expansion.
David Rubin (local resident) raised concerns on highways issues and the impact of the proposal on local traffic congestion. He added that the use of the school hall outside of school normal hours would lead to noise nuisance as well as raise health and safety issues. He also raised security concerns about the nearby synagogue.
Lucy Read (applicant’s architect) stated that the proposed works would not disturb the existing building and therefore the attenuation tanks would have no impact on the sewerage in the area. She reported on her meeting with Thames Water which supported her view and added that the proposal complied with design standards. In response to members’ questions, the applicant’s agent stated that the sustainability strategy of the proposal achieved BREEAM standards.
DECISION: Granted planning permission as recommended and an informative regarding the need for additional parking enforcement to be undertaken by the Council after completion - (7 in support; 1 against).
Supporting documents: