Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought approval for the part demolition of the existing building and provision of a mixed use scheme comprising 19 no. self-contained shared residential units (4-8 bedrooms each) (within Class C4/Sui Generis). The proposal also includes 2no. ‘flexible use’ retail units (Units 1 and 2) (Class A1-A5 use) fronting Chesterton Road and 1no. ‘flexible use’ unit (Unit 3) (Class D2 (yoga studio) or Class A1-A5 use) fronting Croft Holme Lane at ground floor level. Provision of private and communal amenity space for shared residential units, with associated landscaping, cycle and refuse/recycling storage.

 

The Senior Planner updated his report by referring to details on the amendment sheet:

      i.          Revised recommendation: APPROVE subject to: (i) the prior completion of an Agreement under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 with the delegated authority for officers to negotiate secure and complete such an Agreement and (ii) conditions.

     ii.          Revised wording of conditions 10 and 16.

   iii.          Removal of paragraph 8.64 and replacement with revised text.

 

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of 2 Croftholme Lane:

      i.          With the appearance of a new apart hotel in the Mitcham's Corner area, had experienced a noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour at night, with much under-age drinking, sometimes on their virtual doorstep. The new project seemed to be a further threat to the relatively peaceful life of the neighbourhood.

     ii.          Their entire property would be completely overlooked by the proposed multi-storey development, leading to loss of privacy.

   iii.          Significant loss of light created by the proposed multi-storey buildings would have an adverse effect on their quality of life.

   iv.          Would welcome a neighbourhood-friendly residential redevelopment, comprising family accommodations, matching the height of the existing buildings in Croftholme Lane.

 

Mr Tarzey (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

 

Councillor Baigent proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation to include an informative requesting short stay accommodation should not be used for Airbnb.

 

This amendment was carried unanimously.

 

Councillors Smart and Thornburrow proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation that the s106 agreement would be brought to Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes for approval. If they did not approve the s106 agreement, it would be brought back to committee for consideration. Members would also receive a briefing on claw back clause details.

 

This amendment was carried unanimously.

 

Councillor Tunnicliffe proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation that the community should not be gated.

 

This amendment was carried by 4 votes to 4 – and on the Chair’s casting vote.

 

Councillor Thornburrow proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation that postboxes should be located in the reception area.

 

This amendment was carried unanimously.

 

The Committee:

 

Resolved (4 votes to 4 – and on the Chair’s casting vote) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the Officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer’s report, subject to:

      i.          the prior completion of an Agreement under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 with the delegated authority for officers to negotiate and secure an Agreement subject to the final details being agreed by Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes in respect of (i) a viability review mechanism establishing for the payment of a developer’s financial contribution for an off-site commuted affordable housing contribution in circumstances where the development generates a greater revenue than the viability assessment provided by the applicant with the planning application; (ii) a financial contribution covering the costs of tree planting, public realm improvements and surfacing improvements of the public highway on Croft Holme Lane and Victoria Road corner junction; and (iii) that all nineteen shared living units shall remain as rented accommodation for a period of ten years from the date of the first occupation of each unit; and

     ii.          the planning conditions set out in the Officer’s report; [and]

   iii.          informatives included on the planning permission in respect of:

a.    The applicant is advised to provide a facility for post-boxes to serve unit No’s 1-13 within the concierge space at the entrance to the shared living accommodation.  

b.    The applicant is advised to enable access to the communal courtyard space during day time hours to promote inclusive access to outdoor spaces.  

c.    The applicant is reminded that the shared living accommodation shall not be used for Air BnB short term let accommodation.