Agenda item
Preston Park Primary School, College Road, Wembley, HA9 8RJ (Ref. 13/2903)
- Meeting of Planning Committee, Tuesday 14 January 2014 7.00 pm (Item 3.)
- View the declarations of interest for item 3.
Decision:
Granted planning permission subject to conditions as set out in the Committee report and revised condition 3 as set out in the tabled supplementary.
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing dining room and kitchen block and the erection of a new two storey class room block incorporating replacement dining room and kitchen, a single storey extension to the existing nursery/reception year block, the removal of three temporary class room huts, increased cycle storage, new fencing, new landscaping, and the creation of a larger reception rear playground. |
RECOMMENDATION: Grant planning permission subject to conditions as set out in the Committee report and revised condition 3 as set out in the supplementary.
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With reference to the tabled supplementary report, Neil McClellan, Area Planning Manager informed members that the South Kenton and Preston Park Residents Association (SKPPRA) had reconfirmed their objection to the proposal on the grounds that the transport statement by the consultant Robert West was not sufficient to meet the Department of Transport (DoT) criteria for a transport assessment for a school development of this size. In response, the Area Planning Manager stated that following an assessment by the Council’s Transportation Team the majority of the assessment and its conclusions were considered to be correct. Having conducted their survey the Transportation Team acknowledged that the parking survey undertaken by Robert West overestimated the amount of on-street car parking available.
The Area Planning Manager considered that the proposal would be acceptable subject to the submission and approval of a revised School Travel Plan. Members were advised that Transport for London (TfL) had awarded Preston Park Primary a ‘Gold Star’ two years running for its travel plan and that the school had been recommended for a ‘Platinum Star’ this year. He then corrected the drawing numbers as set out in the supplementary which he added were the drawing numbers made available on the Council’s website and consulted upon with residents. These amended condition 3 and superseded the drawing numbers listed in that condition.
Mr Rushe objecting on behalf of the South Kenton and Preston Park Residents Association (SKPPRA) reiterated their objection that the transport statement submitted by the consultant Robert West was not sufficient to meet the Department of Transport (DoT) criteria for a transport assessment for a school development of this size. He added that the proposed expansion of the school would create a dangerous parking situation and thus fail to meet the Council’s parking standard.
In accordance with the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Harrison stated that she was on the Governing body of Preston Park Primary School and that she had not been approached. Councillor Harrison made reference to the school’s track record shown by its ‘Gold Star’ Travel Plan and a possible ‘Platinum Star’. She added that the highest construction standards would be maintained in order to ensure minimum disruption being caused to the local residents during the construction of the school buildings.
In accordance with the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor HB Patel, ward member stated that he was on the Governing body of Preston Park Primary School and that he had not been approached. Councillor HB Patel stated that as the school was located in a narrow and congested road residential amenity was being detrimentally affected as a result of inconsiderate parking by some parents. He continued that residents were unable to make proper assessment of the transport statement due to the length of the document and the period chosen for its circulation during the festive period when some residents were away. Councillor HB Patel urged that if planning permission was to be granted, all conditions should be vigorously enforced. He also requested that railings be installed for the safety of the school children and to prevent accidents.
Cheryl Painting, the applicant’s agent informed the Committee that the expansion of the school was to meet the growing demand for school places and that appropriate mitigation measures were in place to ensure that any detrimental impact was limited. She drew members’ attention to the school’s travel plan which had been awarded a ‘Gold Star’. The agent confirmed that guard railings would be introduced as part of the development.
In responding to some of the issues raised, Stephen Weeks, Head of Area Planning clarified that as Brent’s parking standards set maximum (rather than minimum) standards, the parking provisions for the proposed development were acceptable. He drew members’ attention to condition 1 which required the applicant to install guard railing to the front of the pedestrian access.
DECISION: Granted planning permission as recommended. |
Supporting documents: