Agenda item

Change of use to flexible Class B1(a) (offices) and Class D1 (University) floorspace. Inclusion of incubator start up space at ground floor level and retention of B1 (office space at ground floor plus the erection of cycle storage stands. 

(Planning application number: P2017/3100/FUL)

In the discussion the following points were made:

·        
The Planning Officer highlighted a number of changes that will be reflected in the Head of Terms, that the applicant had agreed to offer start-up spaces at 50% below comparable market prices for the duration of the lease and any extension / alteration to that lease; that the personal permission (Condition 4) related to Yannick Naud and that annual reporting would be undertaken (s106) regarding the incubator / start up use would be submitted.

·         The Planning Officer advised that the loss of 1200sq metres floor space especially in an Employment Growth Area was contrary to Islington Policies, however the siting of the university would provide employment opportunities as it is to be occupied by 28 members of staff and 150 students and the third floor was proposed to offer office space to serve as the administrative area for the proposed university.

·         In response to a question regarding the loss of business floor space the Planning Officer advised that the flexibility of the scheme (in seeking to advance a mix of complimentary uses) would involve a scheme which complies with other relevant planning considerations, in particular relating to the use being an employment use and supported by other policies within the London Plan that supports higher education due to the wider support it provides to the local and London economy. 

·         Members were advised that there will be no external alterations to the building except in the case of cycle stands and landscaping which would be conditioned. In addition the Planning Officer acknowledged that the change of use was unlikely to have any adverse impact in terms of deliveries and servicing over and above that of the existing office use.

·         In response to a question about community engagement, Members were advised that the applicant had committed to continue working with existing programmes, provide scholarships and offer maths, French and mentoring tuition classes. Members reinforced the importance for the required Engagement strategy to be submitted by the applicant to increase the hours of tuition provided by the university over time (as set out in the Heads of Terms).

·         With respect to the offer of incubator spaces by the applicant, Members requested that an obligation to set out mechanisms to promote and support local businesses taking up space and services offered within the incubator / start up spaces. 

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 and an additional condition regarding the incubator spaces for local business and subject to the prior completion of a Deed of Planning Obligation made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 securing the heads of terms as set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report.