Application No: 21/P1907

Ward: Colliers Wood

Recommendation: Grant planning permission subject to any direction from the Mayor of London the completion of a S106 agreement and conditions

Proposal: Redevelopment of the site including the erection of buildings (1x10 storeys block and 1x13 storeys block) to provide a mixed use scheme including 116x residential units (use class C3) and commercial floorspace (use Class E). Together with associated car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and associated infrastructure.

The Planner presented the report and brought to members’ attention amendments to the S106 heads of Terms and a number of the planning conditions as set out in the Supplementary Agenda.

The Committee received verbal presentations from two objectors who made points including:

-       The proposal was too high and too dense and the heat pumps would add noise.

-       The proposal would overshadow the area next to it and close off views of the sky to the East.

-       The proposal would increase traffic and would cause difficulties for emergency services access to the proposed building.

-       The proposal contradicted the principles in the tall buildings background paper as well as policies DMD2 and DMD4.

-       The proposal would lead to a loss of light for nearby homes and would cause overlooking to nearby homes due to overhanging balconies.

-       The size and density of the proposal would create significant noise and odour and destroy the quiet character of the area.

The Applicant spoke in response and made points including:

-       The Applicant had worked closely on the designs with Thames Water, the Environment Agency and the Fire Brigade.

-       The Applicant had held two public consultation events and made changes following feedback received including reducing the design from 15 to 13 storeys.

-       The Applicant believed that the heights were in-keeping with the precedent in the area.

-       Daylight modelling had shown 100% compliance with the guidance

-       The proposal would provide new housing and public realm

-       The massing had been carefully considered

The Chair noted that the two ward Councillors who would be speaking were Abbey Ward Councillors and the application was located in Colliers Wood Ward. However, given that the roads directly affected by the proposal fell within Abbey ward, the Chair had agreed to these councillors speaking.

Councillor Eleanor Stringer gave a verbal presentation to the Committee noting that whilst there were many positive aspects to the application, she had concerns regarding overdevelopment of the site in an area of historic importance, noting that the tallest recent approvals were 7 storeys high and noting the privacy concerns of residents.

A statement was read out on behalf of Councillor Nigel Benbow, stating that the design of the buildings did not blend in with the surroundings, that he had concerns around the height and mass of the proposals and that it would result in loss of light to local properties.

The Development Control Team Leader (South) responded that the wider overall context had been considered and noted that the PTAL rating within the area was up to 4.

The Planner responded to members’ questions:

-       A fire engine would be able to access the site and the proposal was covered with a fire safety statement.

-       The decision was an indicative decision which would then be passed to the Mayor of London for a final determination.

-       The density of the proposal was 1349 habitable rooms per hectare.

-       Whilst some elements were 100% compliant there were varying parts within it and there were some reductions in the visual sky element on some properties.

Members commented on the proposal noting the provision of affordable housing and also expressing concerns on the height of the proposals and the impact on the area.

The Chair moved to the vote and it was

RESOLVED:

That the Committee granted planning permission subject to any direction from the Mayor of London the completion of a S106 agreement and conditions.