Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kelcher, with Councillor Saqib Butt (as Vice-Chair) chairing the meeting and Councillor Agha attending as a substitute.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kelcher, with Councillor Saqib Butt (as Vice-Chair) chairing the meeting and Councillor Agha attending as a substitute.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

There were no declarations of interest made during the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made during the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 16 October 2024 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

RESOLVED:-

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 16 October 2024 be approved as a correct record of the meeting.

Granted planning permission subject to:

(1)         The application’s referral to the Mayor of London (Stage 2 referral) and the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed in the main and updated within the supplementary committee reports, together with:

·             Provision to include the requirement for an outdoor gym facility to be added within condition in the Community Use Agreement to be secured as part of the legal agreement;

·             Definition of intermediate housing within the legal agreement to capture a range of intermediate products;

·             The review mechanisms to be secured as part of the legal agreement to include the requirement to change intermediate housing to social housing where viability allows.

(2)        The conditions and informatives, as detailed in the main and amended within the supplementary committee reports.

PROPOSAL

Hybrid planning application comprising: Full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and structures within ‘Phase 1’ and all site preparation works, and redevelopment with mixed-use buildings providing residential homes (Use Class C3), flexible commercial, retail and leisure space (Class E), workspace (Use Class E(g)), associated cycle and vehicle parking, new and altered vehicular accesses and other associated highways works, hard and soft landscaping including creation of new and upgrades to existing public open space, and all associated ancillary and engineering works; and

Outline planning permission for the demolition of all existing buildings and structures within the rest of the Site, and redevelopment with a series of new mixed-use buildings accommodating residential homes (Use Class C3), flexible commercial, retail, workspace and leisure space (Class E), community space (Use Class F), and flexible nursery/community/medical floorspace (Use Classes F/E(e)/E(f)), associated cycle and vehicle parking, new and altered vehicular accesses and other associated highways works, hard and soft landscaping including creation of new and upgrades to existing public open space, and all associated ancillary and engineering works, with all matters reserved except for means of access.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to:

(1)  The conditions and informatives as set out in the main Committee report; and

(2)  Stage 2 referral to the Mayor of London along with the prior completion of a satisfactory s106 legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed within the report.

Neil Quinn (Principal Planning Officer) introduced the planning application committee report, detailing the hybrid planning application comprising:

·       Full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings and structures within ‘Phase 1’ and all site preparation works, and redevelopment with mixed-use buildings providing residential homes (Use Class C3), flexible commercial, retail and leisure space (Class E), workspace (Use Class E(g)), associated cycle and vehicle parking, new and altered vehicular accesses and other associated highways works, hard and soft landscaping including creation of new and upgrades to existing public open space, and all associated ancillary and engineering works; and

·       Outline planning permission for the demolition of all existing buildings and structures within the rest of the Site, and redevelopment with a series of new mixed-use buildings accommodating residential homes (Use Class C3), flexible commercial, retail, workspace and leisure space (Class E), community space (Use Class F), and flexible nursery/community/medical floorspace (Use Classes F/E(e)/E(f)), associated cycle and vehicle parking, new and altered vehicular accesses and other associated

The proposed development was formed of two phases: Phase 1 was applied for in detail and included the construction of 11 new blocks (Blocks C-H, J, K, V, W and Y) to provide 1,076 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), comprising heights of between 4, 5, 10, 11, 15, 17, 22, 24 and 28 storeys (up to 98.5 AODm). The development also proposed 3,354 sqm of flexible retail, commercial and leisure floorspace (Use Class E) (which includes 1,173 sqm of gym floorspace) at lower levels of these blocks.

Phase 2 was applied for in outline, and included  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Granted planning permission subject to:

(1)        The application’s referral to the Mayor of London (Stage 2 referral) and the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed in the main and updated within the supplementary committee reports.

(2)    The conditions and informatives, as detailed in the main and amended within the supplementary committee reports.

PROPOSAL

Demolition of the existing building and redevelopment of the site with a residential-led (Use Class C3) building with flexible commercial/community floorspace (Use Class E/F) at ground level; new basement excavation; cycle stores and blue badge parking; refuse stores and plant rooms/equipment; hard and soft landscaping including part-naturalisation of the Wealdstone Brook; new play space; and all associated engineering and ancillary works.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to:

(1)  Stage 2 referral to the Mayor of London along with the prior completion of a satisfactory s106 legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed within the report; and

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

Sean Newton (Development Management Planning Manager) introduced the planning application committee report, detailing the proposal to demolish the existing College of North West London building and the erection of two mixed-use linked blocks, A and B, which would be respectively 31 and 18 stories (including mezzanine level). The eastern part of the site which fronts Olympic Way would contain the tallest block, Block A. The development would provide 307 residential units (Use Class C3) along with flexible commercial/community use at ground level (Use Class E/F2), basement excavation, shared external amenity space, blue badge parking, cycle parking, refuse stores, plant rooms/equipment, and hard and soft landscaping including the part naturalisation of Wealdstone Brook, a Grade II SINC.

Attention was drawn to the supplementary report, detailing amendments to the main report, additions, corrections and clarifications to the heads of terms. The recommendation remained to grant consent subject to the additional and amended heads of terms, and stage 2 referral to GLA as contained in the main committee report. 

The Chair thanked Sean Newton for introducing the report. As there were no Committee questions raised at this point, the Chair then invited Terry Gamble (who had registered to speak as the applicant’s representative) to address the Committee in relation to the application, who highlighted the following points:

• The high-quality design was believed to complement the Wembley area and respond to the height and style of the surrounding buildings.

• Despite the constraints of the site, it was noted that Hill Group had managed to retain and improve the existing open space, providing a new residential garden for all residents and achieving an Urban Greening Factor of 0.45.

• The scheme included new public realm developments, designed in collaboration with Secured by Design, The Football Association (FA), and the Metropolitan Police. These measures aimed to ensure safety and protection during stadium events, preventing a through route from Wembley Park Drive to Olympic Way, while maintaining resident access.

• The development would utilise high-performance building fabrics and air source heat pumps for heating, cooling, and hot water. Additionally, over 90% of the apartments would be dual aspect.

• The importance of delivering meaningful social value through the enabling development approach. The combined social value across both application sites included:

Ø  Over 110 apprenticeships

Ø  Over 155 local job starts

Ø  20% local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Granted planning permission subject to:

(1)        The applications referral to the Mayor of London (Stage 2 referral) and the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed in the main and updated within the supplementary committee report.

(2)        The conditions and informatives, as detailed in the main and amended within the supplementary committee report.

PROPOSAL

Demolition of existing building and basements and replacement with mixed-use development (26,677 sq. m GIA) incorporating 22 storey building and 3 basements, comprising: flexible light industrial (Class E)/B8 employment space (in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 2 (Class V) of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended)); Class C1 Hotel (including ancillary gym, spa and swimming pool); Class F.1 Conference Centre; Class F.2 community hall; basement car parking accessed from Oxgate Lane; cycle parking; internal service yard; coach drop-off lay-by; management and back of house areas; plant; roof garden and outdoor terraces;public realm improvements and associated works.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to:

(1)  Stage 2 referral to the Mayor of London along with the prior completion of a satisfactory s106 legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed within the report; and

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

Damian Manhertz (Development Management Area Manager) introduced the planning application committee report, detailing the proposal for the demolition of the existing building and its replacement with a maximum 22-storey building, with an employment focused mixed-use development amounting to 26,677 sq. m GIA.

Attention was then drawn to the supplementary report, detailing a number of amendments to the main committee report following initial publication. The recommendation remained to grant consent subject to the conditions and heads of terms, as contained in the main committee report.

The Chair thanked Damian Manhertz for introducing the report. As there were no Committee questions raised at this point, the Chair then invited Justin Mills (who had registered to speak as the applicant’s representative) to address the Committee in relation to the application, who highlighted the following points:

• A commitment to establishing a policy-compliant mixed-use development at the heart of the new Staples Corner community was highlighted by the applicant’s representative.  As one of the initial development proposals within the new Growth Area, it was noted that the scheme was intended to act as a catalyst for future development, setting a high-quality benchmark for subsequent projects.

• The proposal aimed to replace an unused and dilapidated building with a high-quality landmark development, capable of making a positive contribution to the character of the area, thereby creating a new gateway to Brent. Close collaboration with the Council's officers ensured that the proposed mix of uses, as well as the scale, massing, and design of the development, were appropriate and aligned with the vision for the area as outlined in the Local Plan and the more recent Masterplan.

• The development was expected to contribute to the local economy through the provision of modern, flexible employment space, capable of accommodating approximately 300 new jobs. This space was designed to meet the needs of smaller businesses and was anticipated to operate as managed workspace, attractive to a range of enterprises.

• At the core of the development was a large community space designed to accommodate a variety of events and activities. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Granted planning permission subject to:

(1)        The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed within the report.

(2)        The conditions and informatives as detailed within the report.

PROPOSAL

Proposed second and third floor extensions to 4 x existing blocks to create new self-contained residential dwellings. Associated enlargement of refuse storage, cycle parking spaces to front / rear and improvements to soft landscaping to communal garden.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to:

(1)  The prior completion of a legal agreement to secure the planning obligations as detailed within the report; and

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

Damian Manhertz (Development Management Area Manager) introduced the planning application committee report, detailing the proposal for second and third floor extensions to 4 x existing blocks to create new self-contained residential dwellings, and associated enlargement of refuse storage, cycle parking spaces to front / rear and improvements to soft landscaping to communal garden.

The Chair thanked Damian Manhertz for introducing the report. As there were no Committee questions raised at this point, the Chair then invited Maria S (who had registered to speak as an objector) to address the Committee in relation to the application, who highlighted the following points:

• In highlighting her objections it was felt the proposed development would result in a complete transformation, with much taller buildings, including two out of four blocks doubling in size, featuring flat roofs. Changes in the layout and size of the new flats, as well as the addition of balconies were noted. The period style of the 1930s, which characterised the current buildings, was felt to be entirely lost.

• Concerns were also highlighted in relation to the significant disruption that leaseholders and occupiers would endure during the demolition and construction phases. It was felt that this disruption would be particularly challenging for residents who spent the majority of their time at home, due to noise, dust, dirt, restricted movement, and invasion of privacy.  It was also pointed out, if approved, the applicant had three years to commence the works, leaving residents in a state of limbo, unable to plan their lives, sell, or rent their properties, resulting in prolonged suffering and uncertainty.

• Concerns were expressed that, even if residents survived the construction phase without severe mental health impacts, many would find themselves in a completely new environment within a much larger estate, which would no longer feel like home with the enlargement of the new floor area equivalent to 24 existing flats, not 16, representing a 60% increase. It was felt that this would likely result in a proportional increase in the number of residents, all using the existing communal areas and amenities, significantly worsening the quality of life for current residents.

• In concluding her representations the objector strongly believed it was the Council's moral duty to reject the proposal and protect the property owners and occupiers who it was felt would be adversely affected by the freeholder's financial interests and the Council's pursuit of additional properties, without sufficient consideration for the potential harm and suffering caused to the existing residents.

The Chair thanked the objector for addressing the Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Deputy Director Democratic Services or their representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

There was no other urgent business.

There was no other urgent business.