Issue - meetings

The provision of 8 residential dwellings in the existing loft space and external alterations to existing building including the extension of the roof, the provision of new dormer windows and external roof terraces.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Officers introduced the application and gave a detailed presentation summarising the proposals noting that the application was recommended for approval subject to the suggested conditions, including restricting prospective residents from applying for residents parking permits in the local parking management scheme.

A petition had been submitted objecting to the proposals. One of the lead petitioners was present and addressed the Committee. Key points raised during their address included:

·         Two previous related applications had been refused.

·         It was deemed that the freeholders of the building had not informed the residents and leaseholders of Kirk House of the proposals and no proper consultation had taken place.

·         There was no concrete floor between the second floor and the loft space where the new dwellings were proposed. This would lead to significant levels of additional noise impacting those residents on the 2^nd floor.

·         There would be significant disruption to residents’ lives, in addition to the school and the church, during the construction phase. Furthermore, the car park would face significant disruption during this phase and shift workers living in the building would be impacted considerably.

·         Concerns were raised regarding whether there was enough water pressure to accommodate the new dwellings.

·         The proposals would have a significant impact on the architecture and character of the street.

·         It was deemed that the proposals were purely made for the developers gain and did not take into account the needs of the residents.

The agent for the application was present and addressed the Committee. Key points raised during their address included:

·         The proposed scheme was the result of extensive proactive engagement with the Planning Authority and represented a low impact, highly sustainable proposal to provide eight additional dwellings at Kirk House, helping Hillingdon to meet its housing targets.

·         The proposals would not have a significant impact on the character of the building, or the local area.

·         During the construction phase, disruption would be minimised by not taking any material up through the building itself, instead lifting them directly into the loft space through cavities in the roof of the building.

·         The floor construction between the 2^nd floor and the loft space would significantly exceed the requirements for acoustic mitigation outlined in building regulations.

·         The windows on the new habitable roof would be setback and would therefore not lead to any additional overlooking.

·         The six proposed parking spaces were in line with the London Plan as the maximum amount allowed. These spaces were already part of the car park and were not currently allocated to any residents.

·         A new disabled compliant lift would be installed in the building.

·         It was noted that the Local Planning Authority carried out all statutory consultations with residents and the developer had written to residents to inform them of the plans.

·         The service charge applied to each of the current dwellings would reduce as the charge would be shared between eight further dwellings in the building.

·         It was clarified that there would be no loss of parking during the construction phase as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29