Agenda item
Red House building, South Way, Land and Pedestrian walkway between South Way and Royal Route, Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley (Ref. 15/3599)
Decision:
Agreed as recommended and a further condition that the width of boulevard to be 10 metres during construction.
Minutes:
PROPOSAL:
A hybrid planning application for the redevelopment of the site including;-
a) Full planning permission for the demolition of existing building and erection of a 13-storey building comprising a 312-bed hotel (Use Class C1) with ancillary and/or ground uses including a restaurant, bar, offices and gym (Use Classes A1-A4/B1
and/or D2) (referred to as Plot W11), on-site cycle parking and
b) Outline planning permission for the demolition of existing building (The Red House, South Way) and erection of a 4-storey building comprising 1610sqm of and/or A1-A4/B1/D1 and D2 uses, with all matters reserved (referred to as Plot W12) and new pedestrian boulevard (outline). with associated service yard, landscaping and infrastructure works (as amended).
To delegate authority to the Head of Planning or other duty authorised person to grant planning permission, subject to the Stage 2 referral to the Mayor of London, and subject to the conditions set out in the Draft Decision Notice..
David Glover (Area Team Manager) introduced the application, set out the historical background including the reasons for the previous refusal and clarified the key changes since made by the applicant. Members heard that the mix of metal cladding and brick proposed by the applicant offered good visual appearance and that within the context of the Masterplan, the relationship between buildings was considered acceptable. He continued that the applicant had submitted further assessment of pedestrian crowd flow to demonstrate that the width of the interim boulevard would be adequate for those going to Wembley Stadium. In reference to the supplementary report, David Glover reported on the findings that arose from the discussion by officers with the Event Safety Team and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) for Wembley National Stadium and advised that if planning permission was to be granted, the interim width of the boulevard during construction could be subject to the submission of details to be approved in writing by the Council prior to the commencement of any works to prevent any narrowing.
Ann Clements and Julian Tollis (applicant’s agents) addressed the Committee. Ann Clements drew members' attention to the presentation by the applicant to members on the boulevard and other elements of the application. She confirmed that space for a GP practice was intended to be provided within Plot W12, part of the outline element to this application. She continued that the applicant had provided updated views from the boulevard, and plans to show the proposal in its wider context, including the proposed development on the MG House site and wider development proposed and envisaged in the Wembley Regeneration Area. Julian Tollis clarified the design aspects of the proposal including its relationship with MG House and measures to preserve the Royal Route Dome.
In the ensuing debate, members asked questions as to whether any provision had been made for the South Way enclosure, the adequacy of the width of the boulevard and whether the applicant had engaged with Wembley National Stadium (WNS) about the impact of the proposal on the operation of the stadium.
In response to members’ questions, Ann Clements stated that no changes were proposed to the operation of the stadium activities as any such changes was the responsibility of the Local Authority. She added that whilst the width of the boulevard was adequate, the applicant could widen it to 10metres if required and that the applicant had been engaging with WNS and the Safety Advisory Team and implemented changes recommended.
David Glover (Area Planning Manager) and Tony Kennedy (Head of Transportation) responded to questions about parking and advised members that no parking facilities were proposed for the hotel due to its proximity to a multi storey car park, although drop off and pick up for disabled persons would be available. In bringing the discussion to a close, members agreed an additional condition for the width of the boulevard to be widened to 10metres during construction.
DECISION: Agreed as recommended and a further condition that the width of boulevard to be 10 metres during construction.
(Voting: For 6 Against 0, Abstention 0).
Supporting documents: