Issue - meetings

Granted planning permission subject to:

·             referral of the application to the Mayor of London (Stage 2 referral) and prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations set out in the Committee report;

·             the conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee and Supplementary report including an amendment to the Section 106 Agreement Heads of Terms to ensure that use of the £10,000 contribution secured towards the enhancement and improvement to public open spaces in the borough was focussed within the vicinity of the development.

PROPOSAL

Redevelopment of site to provide two buildings accommodating residential units, the use of ground floor as a Community Use (Use Class: F2) with additional affordable workspace (Use Class: E) at ground floor level, associated vehicular crossover, car and cycle parking spaces, refuse storage, amenity spaces, landscaping and associated works.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to:

(1)        referral of the application to the Mayor of London (Stage 2 referral); and

(2)        the conditions and informatives as set out in the Committee report.

Nicola Blake (Principal Planning Officer) introduced the report, stating that the application was seeking approval to demolish the existing buildings on site and erect two buildings of up to 10 storeys in height in their place.  The ground floor of the northernmost building would include a community facility measuring 140sqm with the ground floor of the southernmost building including a 251sqm affordable workspace area and a car park.  The development includes 31 residential units within the northernmost building (block A) and 57 residential units within the southernmost building (block B) resulting in 88 residential unts.  The top storey of Block A would have a 234.4sqm communal terrace with attention also drawn to the updates within the Supplementary report and members advised that the recommendation remained to grant planning permission subject to the applications referral to the Mayor of London (Stage 2 referral) and conditions (as amended) and prior completion of a legal agreement.

The Chair thanked Nicola Blake for introducing the report and sought further details on the element of development being described as a creative enterprise.  The Committee noted that these included amenities for artists, such as studio and retail space.  The site looked to create broader job opportunities and was not limited to a particular industry.

The Chair then welcomed the first speaker Mike Poshteh (who had registered to speak in objection to the application) with the following noted:

·             There had been approximately 86 objections from residents who felt that two 20 storey high buildings would impact the existing properties surrounding the development in terms of overshadowing, loss of light & privacy and insufficient space between neighbouring developments.

·             It was felt that the area had materially changed since the original application in 2016 given the extent of other developments either built of approved including Alperton Yard, Alperton Waterside and Grand Union St George which had significantly added to liveable units in the area.  Whilst residents understood the need for housing within Brent and London, it was not felt this development was the solution.

·             The wider impact on amenity including additional strain on public transport, traffic and congestion, local school and health provision, which were already at capacity.

·             Concerns were also highlighted in relation to the overbearing nature of the development and overlooking.

The Chair thanked Mike Poshteh for addressing the Committee and then invited members to ask any questions they had in relation to the information presented, with the following being noted:

·                 Further details were sought on the adjustments requested on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5