Application number: 18/P3154      Ward: Dundonald

Officer Recommendation: Grant Permission subject to conditions and deed of variation to s.106 legal agreement

PAC Resolved that application 18/P3154 is:

Granted Planning Permission subject to conditions and deed of variation to S106 legal agreement.

Proposal: Application for variation of condition 2 (approved drawings)   attached to LBM planning application 15/P4083, to allow for additional dormer windows and a/c units  relating to the demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of site with erection of 9 houses with new access from Kingston Road; erection of new bowls club building and associated facilities, including a new changing room building and relocation of groundsman's store using existing access to Lower Downs Road.

The Committee noted the officer’s report and presentation and information in the Supplementary Agenda. Members noted that a more robust noise control was suggested that would include an control to limit the timing of the use of the air handling units to match the hours of operation of the function rooms.

The Objector raised residents’ concerns, including:

·         Proposed location of the air handling units is 5 steps away from the boundary of our property

·         Dirty air will be expelled directly into our living space

·         There will be unacceptable levels of noise in our garden

·         The units will be visually intrusive

·         The proposal is against Merton Policy DMD2(i)

·         This development does not need air con, it has already taken away our sunlight and our alleyway

The Applicant’s agent made points including:

·         The Air handling units are required because of the need to soundproof the function rooms

·         The units will operate at 27dB, which is quieter than average speech

·         The units just chill the air, so they don’t expel ‘dirty’ air

·         The units are near the boundary, but they are necessary to protect the residents from any noise in the function rooms

Members asked officers about the location of the units, and if they could be positioned elsewhere. The Chair agreed that the Applicant’s agent could answer this question and he explained that the Bowling Green Side is too narrow to accommodate the louvres of the units, and that the proposed location is where the units need to be, and by the main entrance would not be ideal.

Members asked about enforcement and control of the noise emissions from the units. Officers explained that the amendment to the noise control condition would limit the times that the units could operate and that this was a measurable and enforceable condition. Members asked about maintenance of the units, as it is known that units become noisier if not well maintained. Officers suggested that the noise limits in the condition were enforceable but an informative could suggest to the applicants that they maintain the units, and that they only run the units when they are using the function rooms, rather than running on a set timer.

Members noted that the noise levels drop from 27dB at the unit to 10dB at the boundary fence, but that Officers do not know what the noise levels would be at nearby properties. Members also noted that the units were positioned at

RESOLVED

The Committee voted to GRANT Planning Permission subject to conditions in the officer’s report, an amended condition regarding noise control, an additional informative regarding noise control and deed of variation to s.106 legal agreement.

Note: The wording of the amended condition and informative is delegated to the Director of Environment and Regeneration.