Agenda item
24-51 inc, John Barker Court, 12-14 Brondesbury Park, Kilburn, NW6 7BW (Ref. 15/1539)
Decision:
Granted planning permission as recommended.
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Change of use of existing flats at 24-51, John Barker Court, into a hostel (Use class Sui Generis) for a temporary period of 1 year
RECOMMENDATION: Grant planning permission subject to conditions.
Stephen Weeks (Head of Planning) outlined the scheme and stated following the decision not to progress the application for lack of consultation with residents of Alan Preece Court, full consultation had been carried out and representations had been received from some residents and Councillor Shaw. Members were informed that officers had reviewed the representations received and were satisfied that the issues raised as a result of the consultation had been addressed in the report. In reference to the main report, he explained how the issues had been addressed and reiterated that the proposal was for a temporary period of one year only.
Rob Churn (Chair of Brondesbury Park Residents’ Association) stated that the proposed change of use into a temporary hostel would be inappropriate, adding that the influx of residents would raise health issues without adequate protection for vulnerable residents. In his view, issues relating to fire, asbestos and Legionnaires’ had not been addressed.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Shaw, ward member stated that she had been approached by residents. Councillor Shaw reiterated concerns about the consultation process being flawed and stated that the accommodation was not fit for purpose and that no health and safety check had been carried out to ascertain the level of risk for Legionnaires’ disease. She continued that no robust financial assessment had been produced for the applicant. She urged members to require the applicant to implement the advice by Police including the installation of CCTV cameras.
Councillor Davidson stated that he had been approached by members of Brondesbury Park Action Group and echoed the sentiments expressed by Councillor Shaw. He went on to raise procedural issues including possible conflict of interests as the applicant and the Council shared the same address.
Patricia Bramwell (legal adviser) stated that members had a duty to determine the application with an open mind taking into account any new information that had come to light since the last meeting. She continued that natural justice required the application to be brought back before members for determination. The legal adviser added that no member had declared an interest in the application and that it was not unusual for local authorities to submit planning applications for themselves.
Tim Gray (Applicant, Housing Needs Unit, Brent Council) informed members that the application was being submitted to address the acute shortage of accommodation for families in the borough. He clarified that previous residents were moved out not for health and safety reasons but rather the standard of accommodation was not appropriate in the longer term for elderly persons.
In response to members’ questions, Tim Gray stated that the issue with Legionnaires’ disease had been addressed by chemical dosing and further disinfecting processes. He assured members that measures would be put in place to minimise any such risks and that as part of the management contract, there would be a 24 hour cover with a CCTV camera installed.
DECISION:
Granted planning permission as recommended.
Supporting documents: