Agenda item

Partial demolition of rooftop structured and retention of the existing building along with the construction of a three-storey extension (including plant areas) to the existing building and new three-storey infill building to the corner of Goswell Road and Pear Tree Street resulting in a part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6 storey building including internal reconfiguration and refurbishment of the existing facades to provide for 8,146 square metres (GIA) of office floorspace (Use Class B1(a)) including 481 square metres (GIA) of floorspace for small and micro enterprises (SME), and 671 square metres (GIA) of flexible retail/office floorspace (Use Class A1/B1(a)) along with associated access arrangements, cycle parking, refuse storage and ancillary works.

(Planning application number: P2018/1578/FUL)

In the discussion the following points were made:

·         The planning officer reported that since the report was published, three additional objections had been received, although these were from people who had already objected. There had also been an objection from Councillor Webbe and 3 further letters of support.

·         The planning officer advised that the applicant had agreed to put automated blinds on the windows on the Pear Street elevation and rear elevations fronting Bastwick Street. These would be on a timer and shut between 8pm and 7am. In response to a question from the Chair, the applicant confirmed that this could be 7 days a week.

·         The planning officer stated that paragraph 10.71 of the officer report should be amended to state 10 rather than 9 rooms, the figure for Third Floor – W8 in the table in Paragraph 10.68 should refer to a reduction of 22%.

·         The planning officer stated that Paragraphs 10.76, 10.86 and 10.88 should be amended to state that the annual and winter probably figures proposed would all meet the BRE tests.

·         The planning officer stated that Condition 6 should be removed and would be secured under a legal obligation.

·         In response to questions from a member, the planning officer advised that the cycle space provision was now compliant with GLA standards and the proposed materials for the building were included in an approved document.

·         In response to a question from a member about affordable workspace, the applicant confirmed that although the scheme had been reduced in size, the affordable workspace had slightly increased. The applicant stated that the scheme was compliant with policy and the scheme was below the threshold size for providing affordable workspace but was still providing it. An affordable housing contribution would also be provided. The previous scheme had a gallery at first floor level but this had been removed prior to committee. In the current application there was a flexible ground floor space that could be used as a gallery.

·         Daylight and sunlight was discussed and the planning officer advised that there were three tests assessed under BRE guidance. A transgression across all three was worse than a transgression against just one.

·         The application was policy compliant.

Councillor Kay proposed a motion to condition that the automated blinds on the windows looking on to Pear Street and Bastwick Street be shut between 8pm and 7pm 7 days a week. This was seconded by Councillor Chapman and carried.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report as amended above 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 with the points covered in deleted Condition 6 included.