Agenda item
19/4444 Unit 2, 2 Lowther Road and Units 3, 4 & 4A Lowther Road, Stanmore, HA7 1EP
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide a part -2, part-4 and part-6 storey plus basement development comprising self-contained residential units (use class C3) and commercial floor space (Use class B1c) together with associated private and communal space, car parking and cycle storage and public realm improvements (amended description) subject to Deed of Agreement dated xx xx 2020 under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to:
1. Any direction by the Secretary of State pursuant to the Consultation Direction
2. The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out within the report.
That the Head of Planning be granted delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out within the report.
That the Head of Planning be granted delegated authority to make changes to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions, informatives, planning obligations or reasons for the decision) prior to the decision being actioned, provided that the Head of Planning is satisfied that any such changes could not reasonably be regarded as deviating from the overall principle of the decision reached by the Committee nor that such change(s) could reasonably have led to a different decision having been reached by the Committee.
That, if by the “expiry date” of this application (subject to any amendments/extensions to the expiry date agreed by both parties) the legal agreement has not been completed, the Head of Planning be granted delegated
authority to refuse planning permission.
That the Committee confirms that adequate provision has been made, by the imposition of conditions, for the preservation or planting of trees as required by Section 197 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.12
Ms June Taylor (Principal Planning Officer) introduced the report setting out the key issues and answered Members’ questions. She referenced the supplementary report which corrected the figures for employment floorspace and provided further context for the level of affordable housing proposed.
Ms Susanne Boodram (in remote attendance) objected to the proposed development on several grounds including the following:
· Detrimental effect on the character of the neighbourhood.
· Over-development of the site without adequate infrastructure.
· Potential for noise and disturbance.
· Overlooking to other properties.
· Loss of privacy.
· Obstruction to sunlight from garden and home.
Mr Giuseppe Cifaldi (agent, in remote attendance) addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. Members noted the following submissions:
· The proposals would deliver a range of benefits; including design-led, high quality homes, and new workspace that would enhance both the employment and industrial capacity of the site.
· The site was located within an area designated within the new Local Plan for co-location of both industrial and residential uses.
· The existing units would be redeveloped to deliver more and better employment floor space with an enhanced industrial capacity resulting in the potential for more jobs from the site.
· The scheme had been designed to minimize impacts on surrounding properties and staggered at upper levels through a series of set-backs and recesses.
· There would be a 9-metre separation from the eastern boundary and 18m gap on the western edge in compliance with the Council’s adopted design guidance.
· The development proposed 7 shared ownership homes. The Council’s independent viability consultant had reviewed and confirmed that this was the maximum viable amount. In addition, a late stage review to determine whether any more affordable homes could be delivered at a later date had been agreed.
· Highways officers had reviewed the car parking and servicing strategy for the development and considered it acceptable.
· The development would not add to local traffic or on street parking.
· As a car free development the s106 agreement would ensure that new residents would not be to apply for parking permits on Lowther Road.
· The applicant’s contribution towards the implementation of the CPZ would ensure that parking along Lowther Road would be managed when the development was completed.
Officers then responded to members’ questions in respect of employment space provisions, affordable housing and the independent viability assessment coupled with late stage reviews, and daylight and sunlight assessment. Officers added that due to the separation distance there would be no discernible impact or overlooking to the properties in Turner Road.
DECISION:
Granted planning permission as recommended.
(Voting on the recommendation was unanimous).
Supporting documents: