Issue - meetings

Demolition of 16 studio bungalows and the erection of 21 affordable family-sized houses with associated facilities.

Recommendation: Grant subject to s106 legal agreement.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved

Demolition of 16 studio bungalows and the erection of 21 affordable family-sized houses with associated facilities.

Officers introduced the application and noted the addendum which contained a correction to condition two.

Members noted the need for family sized homes and social housing and commended the design of the proposal.

Members raised a query regarding the potential future use of the properties as HMOs, seeking reassurance that any such change would require planning approval. Officers advised that the development was proposed as 100% affordable housing, which would be secured via a legal agreement. This would mitigate concerns about future conversion to HMOs.

Members requested officers to clarify the separation distances between Blocks B and C and neighbouring properties. Officers clarified that Block B was approximately 13.5 metres from the nearest neighbouring property at two-storey level; the ground floor projected closer at 10.6 metres; and the first-floor windows on the lower elevation would be obscurely glazed.

Members asked whether there would be any windows on the side elevation of the front blocks facing existing dwellings. Officers confirmed that the relevant elevation would be blank, with no windows overlooking neighbouring properties.

Members asked about the use of solar panels. Officers noted that the energy strategy included solar panels and heat pumps; a planning condition required implementation prior to occupation; and the scheme exceeded the London Plan’s minimum carbon offset requirement of 35%, making it policy compliant. The development will deliver significant on-site carbon savings. Officers cannot insist on higher-grade solar panels beyond policy compliance. Planning decisions must be based on current technology and assessments. An informative could be added to recommend consideration of more efficient solar panels as technology evolves.

Members asked for further information on parking and tree planting. Officers confirmed that 25 car parking spaces would be provided, including three accessible spaces, two motorcycle spaces and cycle storage. Tree planting and landscaping were included in the scheme. On parking allocation, officers confirmed this would be addressed under Condition 11, which covered parking management and allocation.

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

RESOLVED: That the application be approved