Agenda item

PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing three storey light industrial building and erection of a 5 storey hotel comprising 196 rooms with ancillary cafe/bar, restaurant, gymnasium/meeting room, roof top plant compound and associated car, coach and cycle parking spaces, landscaping and boundary treatment.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission and that the Head of Planning is delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions [and informatives] to secure the matters set out in the report

That the Head of Planning is delegated authority to make changes to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions, informatives, planning obligations or reasons for the decision) prior to the decision being actioned, provided that the Head of Planning is satisfied that any such changes could not reasonably be regarded as deviating from the overall principle of the decision reached by the Committee nor that such change(s) could reasonably have led to a different decision having been reached by the

Committee.

Angus Saunders (Area Planning Manager) introduced the report and answered members’ questions.  He informed members that planning permission had already been granted for the redevelopment of the site to provide a new hotel, albeit for a 60 bedroom hotel. As such, the principle of the proposed development was acceptable. In addition to this the proposal was not considered to be harmful to the character and appearance of the locality nor the amenities of the neighbouring properties. Officers also considered that the proposal would have significant planning merits hence, the recommendation for approval.

Will Thompson (applicant’s agent) stated that following an extensive pre-application discussion with officers, the proposal would result in a development that was compliant with the London Plan and Core Strategy policies. He added that the proposed 5-storey building would be set back from the street resulting in a more open frontage and allowing for coach parking, servicing and landscaping within the site boundaries. Members heard that as the site was adjoined on either side by industrial buildings, the proposal was unlikely to have any significant impact on neighbours.  In addition to access to good transport network, a Delivery and Service Management Plan had been submitted.

Angus Saunders advised members that in recommending the application for approval, great weight had been placed on the extant planning permission, the more efficient use of the land by the 196 bedroom hotel and a positive contribution to the townscape.  He drew members’ attention to conditions 9 and 13 which sought to address concerns on land contamination and air quality neutral, in addition to informatives on asbestos.

In endorsing officers’ recommendation for approval, members added additional informatives requiring the applicant to ensure that any damage to public realm is repaired and that maximum standards were applied to fire and safety issues.

DECISION: Planning permission granted as recommended with additional informatives requiring the applicant to ensure that any damage to public realm is repaired and that maximum standards were applied to fire and safety issues.

(Voting on the application was unanimous).