Application Number: 19/P2523 Ward: Trinity
Officer Recommendation: GRANT Planning Permission Subject to Conditions
Decision:
PAC Resolved that Application 19/P2523 is:
Granted Planning Permission subject to Conditions
Minutes:
Proposal: Alterations and extension to six storey building, including front, rear and side extensions to fifth floor, remodelling of main entrance, formation of roof terrace and provision of screening/enclosure above fifth floor, plus the consolidation and relocation of roof-level plant and upward extension of northwest access stairway
The Committee noted the officer’s report, presentation, and additional information in the Supplementary Agenda – Modifications, including an amended condition.
The Committee received a verbal representation from a local resident who raised objections including:
· The application is not positive and is against policy
· It creates a dark looming grey building in an area of red terracotta buildings including the grade II listed Wimbledon theatre
· It will cause noise disturbance
· Would welcome improvements to this building but this application does not achieve this, it is not of the quality required in this area.
· There are no other grey buildings on the Broadway
The Committee received a verbal representation for the Applicant’s Agent and Architect who made points including:
· We have worked with officers on this application
· The application provides a relatively modest extension, 6% of floor area, to a building in a sustainable location
· The proposal aims to improve the quality of this tired and partially vacant building by improving the quality of the workspace
· The Broadway is extremely diverse, and this proposal aims to demonstrate this diversity.
The Committee received a verbal representation from the Ward Councillor Hayley Ormrod, who made points including:
· The site notice outside was damaged and illegible
· Not all local residents were informed about the application
· The dark grey colour is awful. Neighbouring buildings are all terracotta red.
· The Grade II listed Wimbledon Theatre is just across the road.
· The proposal will cause noise and traffic problems only 10 years after it was first built.
· There will be ongoing noise and privacy issues for local residents from the plant room and terrace
· Is there a requirement for extra office space in this area?
The Planning Team Leader north replied to these comments by saying that
· all neighbours were consulted in-line with policy requirements. The site notice did appear to be damaged but it was displayed and this damage is not a material consideration
· The extension is set back, windows would remain, and as a commercial building it is acceptable in the streetscene
In reply to Member’s questions Officers replied:
· There is no indication on the plans that this proposal would create an access between the office and residential accommodation
· The proposed dark grey colour would not be a robust reason for refusal
· The landscaping shown on the plans can be secured by condition
· The fencing around the plant room is required as acoustic protection for residents of adjacent flats
· Officers do not consider the proposal to be out of character with the area. The sympathetic set back remains, it does improve the streetscene at ground level and it is considered to be visually acceptable
A Member commented that the dark grey colour appeared disjointed from neighbouring buildings and felt oppressive. When asked by the Chair, the committee indicated that the proposed dark grey colour of the building was an issue for all of them. The Architect confirmed that the purpose of the application was to upgrade the building and the proposed grey colour was not a key factor in this.
The Committee voted on the application, including the amended condition in the Supplementary Agenda that required the Chair and Vice-Chair to have final approval on materials. The Committee confirmed that they requested an additional condition requiring landscaping.
RESOLVED
The Committee voted unanimously to GRANT Planning Permission subject to conditions in the officers report, an amended condition in the Supplementary Agenda – Modifications regarding the Chair and Vice Chair having final approval on materials and a new condition to ensure landscaping.
The Committee agreed to delegate the wording of the additional condition to the Director of Environment and Regeneration.
Supporting documents: