Application Number: 20/P3165

Ward: Merton Park

Recommendation:Grant Permission subject to conditions and s.106 legal agreement.

Proposal: REAR INFILL EXTENSION AT 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH FLOOR LEVEL TO PROVIDE 1 FLAT

The Planner presented the report and brought to members’ attention that objections raised concerns on construction disturbance which officers noted.

The Committee received a verbal representation from two objectors who raised points including:

·         The residents agreed that the development presents an overpopulation of current site

·         Noise pollution and inadequate communal facilities with the added floor

·         There is a dispute with the developers with a resident regarding poor electrical works and flooring carried out on the top floor of the building, which should be addressed before any more work is carried out

·         The building has not been adequately sound proofed and should be addressed before further works

·         Summer sunlight will be restricted by the balcony as demonstrated by the balcony analysis

·         The issue of privacy as the balcony will overlook downstairs flats and reduce sky light

·         The development would disrupt users of essential services

·         There are no plans to improve the lift.

·         There is currently an issue with bin storage. Added units will produce more residences and impact on the bin storage capacity.

·         Fewer parking spaces will lead to parking in other residential areas

·         The Applicants spoke in response and made points including:

·         The Applicants have worked closely with Merton Council officers in the design, waste managementand all areas were addressed. A number of  changes were made from the original planning application

·         The new homes will comply with adopted standards in terms of space and amenities and overall quality.

·         The design team have fully updated Officers.

·         The Applicants are aware of the issue with waste and cycle storage and are addressing this. The current set up is fully compliant but will be much better when the work is complete

·         The Applicants consider both applications are sound on all planning grounds

·         The Applicants are willing to accept safeguarding conditions from the Council should the application be accepted

·         Building Regulations will ensure residents and amenities are preserved

·         The Applicants are committed to continuous consultation with residents.

·         The Applicant aims to deliver five new homes that have no impact to the existing neighbours and are fully compliant

·         Two residents also spoke in support of the application.

Planning Officers in response advised that:

·         The application has to be assessed on merit

·         There is other legislation that deals with the issues  of lift access should the lift fail and legislation to address noise pollution

·         There was a comment from the waste management team, who are happy with the arrangement being proposed

·         It is acknowledged that there is a historical issue with the waste collection but the current situation they are satisfied with

·         Car displacement should not be grounds to stop the application

·         Parking locally is subject to a CPZ, enabling parking permits to be restricted from the occupiers of the new flats in the event of permission being granted.

In response to Members questions, the Planning Officers advised:

·         Some of the conditions are standard.

·         Some conditions relate to the actual construction process.

·         Conditions on sustainability are proposed to ensure London Plan targets are met.

·         Conditions on noise from plant used in the construction process including that relating to non-road mobile machinery are proposed in order to meet the Mayor of London’s requirements.

·         There are conditions on dust emissions and air quality

·         Conditions relating surface drainage, this shows method of water drainage from site

·         The conditions listed in the officer’s report sets out a reasonable framework for controlling the development.

Members commented on the proposal and welcomed the infill flat. The art déco design enhances the building. Members noted the concerns of residents who did not support the proposal

The Chair moved to the vote and it was:

RESOLVED

That the Committee granted planning permission subject to

Conditions and S106 legal agreement