Agenda item

Granted listed building consent for the demolition subject to referral to the Government Office for West Midlands.

With reference to the tabled supplementary information the Northern Area Planning Manager Rachel McConnell addressed issues raised by Dollis Hill House Trust (DHHT) on the consultation process following a report by the Council’s consultants, DPP Heritage.  She stated that as the report by DPP Heritage was an analytical process which considered the application under PPS5 and did not change the nature or provide new information regarding the proposal, there was no procedural requirement for the Council to carry out further consultation. The Planning Manager then drew members’ attention to the list of issues raised  by additional letters of objection which included claims that the Council failed to protect or identified an alternative viable use for Dollis Hill House.  In response, Rachel McConnell stated that despite repeated efforts by experienced and well-resourced professionals, it had not been possible to develop a viable, sustainable, long-term commercial proposition for the remaining structure.  She added that the viability of the House for reuse was seriously compromised by its current condition and the relatively remote location in terms of public transport and lack of parking which restricted the accessibility and versatility of the site.

Ms Gill Close on behalf of DHHT circulated a paper in support of the Trust’s position against demolition of Dollis Hill House.  She claimed that reports by DPP Heritage and officers had not made a clear case for the demolition of the Grade 2 listed building and that the Council had not made any attempt to retain part of the building which would be required for Heritage Lottery Funding.  Ms Close added that the Council had not taken the opportunity offered by English Heritage to work together to consider options for retention, re-use or re-working including the possibility of a new feasibility study or marketing campaign on a wider basis than previously considered. She therefore urged members to defer the application until the Council had worked together with English Heritage for a satisfactory solution.

In accordance with the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Powney, Lead Member for Environment, Planning & Culture stated that he had spoken to objectors about the application during the site visit.  Councillor Powney expressed a view that Dollis Hill House although listed was of no architectural merit and as a derelict building had little relationship with Gladstone Park. He added that it was uneconomic in financial terms to continue to provide scaffolding for the building.

During discussion, Councillor Long concurred with the view that poor access and parking facilities could not justify the retention of the building for alternative uses.  Councillor Adeyeye expressed a differing view that due to its historical and architectural significance Dollis Hill House should be retained.  He moved an amendment for its deferral which was voted upon and declared lost.  Members then voted on the substantive recommendation for approval of the demolition subject to referral to Government Office for West Midlands which was declared carried.