Agenda item
Bowling Green Pavilions, Chatsworth Road, London, NW2 4BL (Ref. 10/0124)
Minutes:
Erection of a single-storey building for use as a nursery school (Use Class D1) and erection of pitched roof to existing clubhouse. |
OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: Refuse planning permission
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The Area Planning Manager, Neil McClellan informed members that the applicant had submitted two additional plans that sought to clarify the relationship between the proposed nursery building and the surrounding area particularly No 49 Chatsworth Road, the ground level and the projection of the roof. He continued that the height and proximity of the proposed building failed to comply with the guidance contained in Supplementary Planning Guidance 17 (SPG17) in that it would have an overbearing impact on the outlook and visual amenity of adjoining occupiers.
Mr Robert Middleton speaking in support stated that the application would, in addition to creating more nursery places in an area that was deficient in that provision, enable the Bowling Club to benefit from a new roof without which the Club would need to close down.
Mr Andy McMullan the applicant’s agent stated that the application which sought to re-use a brownfield site would create additional nursery places in the area. He added that the existing land which had no recreational value would be landscaped subject to further details to be secured through a condition. Mr McMullan also indicated that the applicant would accept a further condition to control any consequent on-street parking. The agent did not welcome suggestions by the Chair on how to ensure compliance with SPG17 in future applications by considering building on the pavilion site and re-siting the nursery, as it would involve a major landscaping scheme without meeting the existing needs of the Bowling Club.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Shaw, ward member stated that she had been approached by the applicant. Councillor Shaw stressed the urgent need for a nursery provision in the area, a view that was also supported by the Council’s Early Leaning Years’ Officer and the local residents. She continued that the proposal which would involve a single storey building would not result in any significant impact on the adjoining neighbour. Councillor Shaw pointed out that the site was not part of the wildlife corridor and that the proposal would not result in loss of public open space.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Arnold, an adjoining ward member and the Labour Group spokesperson for Children’s and Families stated that she had been approached by the applicant. Councillor Arnold noted that there had been no objections from neighbours to the proposal as it involved a single storey building. She urged members to grant planning permission for the proposal which was situated in an area deficient in the provision of nursery school places, an outcome that in her view would also have beneficial effect for the Bowling Club.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Dunn, an adjoining ward member stated that he had been approached by the applicant. Councillor Dunn also urged members to grant planning permission as it would have no significant impact on urban green spaces and adjoining neighbours.
During members’ discussion, Councillor Cummins indicated his support for the application pointing out that the site which was not within the wildlife corridor was not a public open space. He noted that the neighbours had not raised any objection to the proposal which would involve a single storey building and would address the need for nursery places in the area. Councillors R Moher and Hashmi also indicated their support for similar reasons.
In responding to the views expressed by members, the Head of Area Planning Steve Weeks, cautioned members to give consideration to the status of the land, the significant size of the building (14 metres long), the overall differences of the garden and the guidance contained within SPG17. He indicated that there may be scope for a joint development on the site but that it would need amended scheme.
Members were minded to grant planning permission contrary to officers’ recommendation for refusal for the following stated reasons: the proposal would not have a significant impact on wildlife corridor; it would address the need for nursery places in the area (and an exception should be made in the application of policies regarding effect on the adjoining property in order to assist in meeting this need) and it would not encroach on open space available to the public (since the land is privately owned) and in any event the improvement to the open space helped to offset this..
In accordance with the Planning Code of Practice, voting on the officers’ recommendation was recorded as follows:
FOR: Councillors Kansagra, Powney and HM Patel (3)
AGAINST: Councillors Anwar, Baker, Cummins, Hashmi, Hirani,
Jackson and R Moher (7)
ABSTENTIONS: Thomas (1)
DECISION: Minded to grant planning consent contrary to the officer’s recommendation and deferred to the next meeting. |
Supporting documents:
- 10, Bowling Green Pavilions, Chatsworth Road NW2 4BL, item 10. PDF 6 MB
- Supplementary Bowling Green, item 10. PDF 42 KB