Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2019 be approved as a correct record.

None.

It was confirmed that all items were marked as Part I, and would therefore be considered in public.

Redevelopment to provide 87 residential units in two blocks, together with associated access, car and cycle parking, communal and private amenity space and landscaping

Recommendation: Approve + Section 106

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Redevelopment to provide 87 residential units in two blocks, together with associated access, car and cycle parking; communal and private amenity space; and landscaping.

Officers introduced the report and noted the addendum. The Head of Planning, Transportation and Recycling also noted that extant permission had already been granted for an application for 69 residential units, and it was considered that this was a better scheme than that previously approved.

Members agreed that the scheme was improved and met the Committee’s concerns, despite fears that the application may still impact on local traffic when vehicles leave Bourne Court, although on balance, it was considered acceptable. The Committee also heard that the Refuse Officer was happy with the proposals for refuse collection.

The officer’s recommendation was moved, seconded and put to a vote, with seven votes in favour and one abstention.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Redevelopment of the site to provide three buildings ranging from 2 to 11 storeys in height delivering 333 residential units and 710 sq.m of ground floor commercial floorspace (Use Classes A1, A2, A3, B1, D1 or D2), including the provision of private and communal amenity areas, child play space, car parking, secure cycle parking, refuse storage areas and other associated development.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be deferred.

Redevelopment of the site to provide three buildings ranging from 2 to 11 storeys in height delivering 333 residential units and 710 sq.m of ground floor commercial floorspace (Use Classes A1, A2, A3, B1, D1 or D2), including the provision of private and communal amenity areas, child play space, car parking, secure cycle parking, refuse storage areas and other associated development.

Officers introduced the application for three buildings from two to 11 storeys with 333 residential units, and noted the addendum.

A petitioner spoke in objection to the application, and cited concerns regarding density, parking, traffic, fire safety, the affordability of the proposed homes and the mix of housing which is not required in the area. Members heard that if the Committee was minded to approve the application, the local residents would like conditions requesting a secure perimeter with CCTV, maintaining the closure of Chalfont Road and Little Road, reducing the density of the application, controlled hours of business for the commercial buildings and construction working hours, and the use of dust prevention systems and vehicle cleaning for all residents affected by the demolition of the existing buildings.

The agent for the application addressed the Committee and stated that the design reflects the emerging architectural character of the area, and the development would use high quality materials. The high density application was consistent with national regional and local area planning policies, and exceeded space standards required with a range of parking, sufficient parking and a S106 agreement. Members were also informed that the application provided 35% affordable housing.

The Committee asked what the future of the commercial buildings currently on site held, and heard that a number of tenants have already served notice to vacate, but one business may like to return to the site. Responding to questioning from Councillors, the agent also commented that the application received no objections from the national air traffic control service and will provide 35% affordable housing, comprising 27% affordable rent, 35.6% London living rent and 37.4 shared ownership.

Councillor Lynne Allen, Ward Councillor for Townfield, addressed the Committee and thanked the residents for their report. Cllr Allen confirmed that the application would cause more traffic concerns and that parking issues would be exacerbated, while the application provides a number of one, two and three-bed homes, but the local area requires more four or five-bed homes for families. Cllr Allen also stated that air quality in the area was poor, and it was important that the S106 money goes to the local residents in Townfield.

Councillor Peter Curling, Ward Councillor for Townfield, also noted that there was high demand for family homes at affordable social rents in the area, and this application did not provide that. Furthermore, there were already parking issues which would be intensified and traffic would be worsened in the surrounding area too.

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Recycling stated that car ownership was much higher in houses than in flats, and this was an entirely flatted development, unlike others  ...  view the full minutes text for item 148.

Demolition of existing buildings, site clearance and redevelopment to provide a mixed use scheme, including 457 residential units, 264 sqm (GEA) A1 retail use, 229 sqm (GEA) A3 cafe use and 2,273 sqm (GEA) B1 office, together with 237 car parking spaces and 1,070 cycle parking spaces, hard and soft landscaping, refuse and recycling facilities, and public and private amenity space

Recommendation: Approve + Sec 106

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Demolition of existing buildings, site clearance and redevelopment to provide a mixed use scheme, including 457 residential units, 264 sq.m (GEA) A1 retail use, 229 sq.m (GEA) A3 café use and 2,273 sq.m (GEA) B1 office, together with 237 car parking spaces and 1,070 cycle parking spaces, hard and soft landscaping, refuse and recycling facilities, and public and private amenity space.

Officers introduced the report and noted the addendum, which included support from the Greater London Authority and agreement with Transport for London’s requests.

Councillors noted that the majority of the units were one or two-bedroom, but these were suitable in this location. The Committee agreed that this was a good scheme, in keeping with the local area, although concerns were expressed about the proposal as it was in an Air Quality Focus Zone. Responding to questioning, officers confirmed that the application proposed 24 units at the London Affordable Rent rate, which was akin to social rent.

The officer’s recommendation was moved, seconded and upon being put to a vote, agreed with seven votes in favour and one abstention.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Redevelopment of the existing car park to provide a 6-storey building comprising 140 room hotel (Use Class C1) including the reconfiguring of car parking spaces across the site to secure 1:1 parking for the residential buildings (Building 2, 3 and 4), associated access, car parking and hard and soft landscaping (Re-consultation MARCH 2019)

Recommendation: Approve + Sec 106

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Redevelopment of the existing car park to provide a six-storey building comprising 140 room hotel (Use Class C1), including the reconfiguration of car parking spaces across the site to secure 1:1 parking for the residential buildings (Building 2,3 and 4), associated access, car parking and hard and soft landscaping (Re-consultation March 2019).

Officers introduced the report and noted the addendum.

Following assurances from officers that emergency vehicle access was acceptable and there was a coach drop-off zone, Members moved, seconded and unanimously agreed the officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.