Agenda item

PROPOSAL: Minor Material Amendment to vary parameter plans 04-12 and the listing of these replacement plans under revised conditions 4, 5, 15, 16 and 25 of hybrid planning permission reference 17/0328 (dated 26 May 2017) which granted minor material amendments to hybrid planning permission reference 15/5550 which comprises the demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide up to 420,000 sqm (gross external area) of mixed use floorspace. (See previous application record for full description of development).

The minor material changes sought comprise an increase in the width of the previously approved north-south route between NW09 and NW10/NW11 and its relocation 30 metres further to the east in between NW09/NW10 and NW11, alterations to the block forms of NW09/NW10 and NW11 with an increase in height of elements of blocks NW09/10 and NW11 as a result of the updated layout, changes to car parking arrangements, introduction of bridge link connecting the landscaped gardens of NW09/10 and NW11 and other associated alterations.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission for the proposed minor material amendments through a variation of conditions 4, 5, 15, 16 and 25 of Hybrid Planning Consent reference 17/0328 pursuant to Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended.

That the Head of Planning be granted delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out within the report and which were associated with the previous consent.

That the Head of Planning be granted 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.

That the Committee confirms that adequate provision has been made, by the imposition of conditions, for the preservation or planting of trees as required by Section 197 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

That this permission, if granted, would also be bound by the Section 106 legal agreement associated with the Hybrid Consent

Ms Victoria McDonagh (Area Team Manager) introduced the report and answered members’ questions. She drew Members’ attention to the proposed changes to the consented development as set out in the report and explained that whilst they were material, they did not amount to a fundamental alteration to that granted outline planning permission.

Mr Brett Harbutt (applicant’s agent) stated that the consent was previously approved as part of the Wembley Masterplan.  He reiterated the changes and added that the primary aim was to realign the two halves of the plot and improve the quality of the central space within Plot NW09-11 so as to reinforce important elements of local townscape.

Mr David Glover (Development Management Manager) outlined the benefits associated with the proposed realignment adding that the scheme, including its height, would blend in with the character of the area.  He continued that although the scheme would marginally obscure Wembley Stadium Arch, it was considered acceptable.  Mr Oliver Block (legal adviser to the Committee) clarified that as a Section 73 application, the current application would not technically amend the original consent but rather resulted in the issue of a new consent for the varied development.  There then ensued a discussion which revolved around the cycle lane and views, in particular the view to Wembley Stadium Arch.

Officers clarified that the cycle lane would run along Olympic Way through the Boulevard to the White Horse Bridge.  It was added that the level of impact on the Wembley Stadium Arch would not be significantly greater.   

DECISION: Grant planning permission as recommended.

(Voting on the recommendation was as follows: For 4; Against 1, Abstention 1).