Agenda item
227B, 229B, 231B & 233B, All Souls Avenue, London, NW10 (Ref. 14/3871)
Decision:
Granted planning permission subject to conditions set out after paragraph 17, of the main report, additional conditions for Considerate Contractor Scheme (CCS), an additional sunlight report on the opposite buildings with delegated authority to the Head of planning for its appraisal and a pre-commencement condition for the applicant to confirm their ability to undertake the works.
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Erection of mansard roof extension to accommodate 2 x two-bedroom flats with associated landscaping and car parking
RECOMMENDATION: Grant planning permission subject to conditions as set out after paragraph 17 of the main report.
Andy Bates (Area Planning Manager) informed members that a mansard roof was accepted in principle by the Planning Inspector in the appeal decision. He went on to clarify issues raised at the site visit on servicing, access and ownership. Andy Bates explained that as the parking and servicing arrangements fell short of requirement, the applicant proposed to re-surface much of the rear yard in tarmac to accommodate three marked off-street car parking spaces and a loading bay. This would be set back from the highway boundary to provide a turning facility (particularly when the service bay was not in use). He continued that pedestrian access to the proposed development which would remain unchanged would be taken from All Souls Avenue via the existing access arrangements and via two communal entrances for existing residential units. Members heard that sufficient space was available to accommodate wheelie bins and that conditions had been imposed to ensure that landscaping, parking and refuse arrangements proposed were installed prior to occupation of the flat. He advised that the extractor duct to the rear of the building should not result in a poor quality living environment for the proposed occupiers.
Maria Frixon in objection stated that due to its bulk and overbearing aspects, the proposed development would obstruct natural sunlight into her home and not be in keeping with the area. She also raised concerns about traffic congestion and potential parking problems which would result.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Shaw, ward member stated that she had been approached by the residents. Councillor Shaw objected to the proposed development on the grounds that due to increased number of residents, it would exacerbate the parking problems and create issues with the drainage system. She continued that due to its unsightly and overbearing aspects, the proposal would be out of character in the area, a situation which be made worse when the telephone mast was relocated.
Mark Jones (applicant’s agent) informed members that due to adequate separation distances, the proposal would not result in any detriment to the neighbours. He added that the proposal had been amended to 2-bed flats only. In response to members’ questions, the applicant’s agent stated that the application complied with standards and guidance and that consultation was undertaken with all existing occupiers. He added that the parking issues would be addressed and that the location of the telephone mast would be the subject of a further planning permission. The agent made the point that if the various ownership/freeholder/leaseholder issues could not be resolved then the scheme would not be able to be implemented.
In bringing the discussion to a close, Councillor Marquis suggested an additional condition for some form of compensation to existing occupiers for any inconvenience that they may suffer. She also suggested an additional condition for the applicant to join the Considerate Contractors Scheme. The legal representative advised that in planning terms, the suggested condition to compensate occupiers for any inconvenience suffered would not be enforceable, applying the tests laid down in Planning Practice Guidance.
DECISION: Granted planning permission as recommended, subject to additional conditions for Considerate Contractor Scheme (CCS), an additional sunlight report on the opposite buildings with delegated authority to the Head of Planning for its appraisal and a pre-commencement condition for the applicant to confirm their ability to undertake the works.
Supporting documents: