Agenda item
Former Blarney Stone, Blackbird Hill, London, NW9 8RR (10/2767)
Decision:
Grant planning permission subject to a Section 106 legal agreement.
Planning permission granted subject to a Section 106 legal agreement as recommended and to amending condition 11 to require details of surfaces to facilitate safe use by visually impaired and other users.
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Proposed mixed-use redevelopment of the Blarney Stone Public House, Kingsbury, with the erection of two 3-storey houses and 34 flats in 3/4/5 storeys above a retail unit of 470m² and parking partly at basement level, with associated landscaping |
RECOMMENDATION: Grant planning permission subject to the completion of a satisfactory Section 106 or other legal agreement.
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This application was deferred from consideration on 15 December 2010 due to a problem with the traffic counting mechanism which led to discrepancies in the results of the traffic count of existing vehicles travelling along Old Church Lane. This report set out the reasons why Members were 'minded to refuse' consent and discussed the implications of the Committee's resolution, having regard to the updated Supplementary Transport Assessment and maintained the original recommendation to grant consent subject to the completion of a satisfactory section 106 agreement.
With reference to the tabled supplementary report, Rachel McConnell the Area Planning Manager drew members’ attention to additional objections received reiterating previous objections and a letter of complaint expressing concerns with the Council's handling of the planning application including the Council’s consultation in accordance with statutory requirements; and failure by officers to challenge the validity of information provided in the Supplementary Transport Assessment. She confirmed that those matters raised had been dealt with in the main report and comments provided on the updated Supplementary Transport Assessment. In addition a response had been sent directly to the complainant under Stage 1 of the Council's Corporate Complaints Procedure. Rachel McConnell reiterated the recommendation for approval subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.
Mr Varsani an objector reiterated that the Council’s consultation was incomplete and ineffective. He expressed concerns about traffic movements along Old Church Lane, associated air pollution and pedestrian safety. Mr Varsani added that the full extent of the detrimental impact of the proposed development would be borne by the adjoining Conservation Area and the Welsh Harp nature reserve.
Mr Les Gray in objecting stated that the proposed development failed to provide adequate parking facilities for retail shoppers approximately 30% of whom were expected to arrive from outside the area. He also expressed concerns about access to the site both by shoppers and service delivery vehicles.
In accordance with the provisions of the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Mashari, ward member stated that she had been approached by the objectors to the application. Councillor Mashari stated that since the consideration of the application was deferred there had been little or no change and that the main objections on grounds of traffic flow and a significant harm to Old Church Lane still stood. This harm would be made worse by inadequate parking facilities for shoppers, the prospects of delivery trucks which could grind traffic on Old Church Lane to a halt. Councillor Mashari also added that the proposed development would constitute an over-development of the site and for the above reasons urged members to refuse the application.
Mr Mark Pender the applicant’s agent speaking in support of the application stated that the proposed development, a landmark building, would enhance the visual amenities of the area and provide a much needed affordable housing in addition to a financial contribution via a section 106 legal agreement. He invited the Transport Consultant who clarified why it was not advisable to refuse the application on highway grounds based on traffic surveys and his observations during visits to the site.
In response to members’ questions, the applicant’s agent confirmed the following: that the applicant had not as yet signed up with a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) due to the uncertainty with the application; that the frontage to Old Church Lane would be re-designed with safety audit; and that the retail shoppers would be drawn from the local area. He also confirmed the applicant’s willingness to accept an additional condition requiring details of surfaces to facilitate safe use by visually impaired and other users.
Mr Nawak Khokhar expressed his support for the proposed development in terms of its elevation, affordable housing and the financial contribution within the Section 106 legal agreement.
In the ensuing discussion, Councillor Long suggested an amendment to condition 11 to require the applicant to submit details of surfaces to facilitate safe use by visually impaired and other users which was agreed.
DECISION: Planning permission granted subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and to conditions as amended in condition 11 to require details of surfaces to facilitate safe use by visually impaired and other users. |
Supporting documents: