Issue - meetings

Demolition of former residential school and erection of academic building (Use Class F1) and ancillary structures including heat pump and substation enclosures, construction of a multi-use games area, revised vehicular access, landscaping, car and cycle parking and associated works.

Recommendations: Approve + Sec 106

RESOLVED: That the application be approved

Demolition of former residential school and erection of academic building (Use Class F1) and ancillary structures including heat pump and substation enclosures, construction of a multi-use games area, revised vehicular access, landscaping, car and cycle parking and associated works.

Officers introduced the application, noting the addendum, which amended a condition to improve air quality.

Members asked about sustainable water management. Officers noted that the application did submit a drainage strategy as part of the application. This was written in accordance with Local Plan/ London Plan requirements that there be sustainable drainage measures proposed. There would be increased soft landscaping and attenuation as part of the proposals including a green roof and officers considered this to be acceptable subject to a planning condition which was listed under condition 14. This would secure the final detail of any such drainage strategy.

Members asked about the green belt and its footprint. Officers clarified that there was an increased footprint. There was an increased volume which was equal to approximately 50% volume but there was a sufficient decrease in height, equal to 3.3 meters.

Members asked about urban design. The Urban Design officer did raise concerns over the general approach of the design but one of the main things to consider was officers had already seen what was essentially the same proposal previously, and it had been approved at Committee back in July 2022 and approved this year formally in 2023 so it would not be reasonable to seek further amendments as part of this application proposal.

Members acknowledged the urgent need for new SEN places at secondary level.

Concerns about external lighting were addressed with specific conditions to minimise light pollution. Additionally, the plan's focus on energy self-sufficiency was highlighted, indicating an energy net positive provision secured by conditions and a legal agreement.

Officers’ recommendations were moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved as per officer’s recommendations