Agenda item

Installation of plant equipment (9 no. units) above existing flat roof at second floor level (first floor roof) including associated screening enclosures and other works.
(Planning application number: P2018/4155/FUL)

In the discussion the following points were made:

·         Planning Officer informed the meeting that the description under image 3 on page 9 which reads the following wording -‘which has now been removed following  enforcement investigation’ be deleted as it is incorrect.

·         Members were reminded that the application was due to an enforcement action following the unauthorised installation of air conditioning equipment to the main roof, however this has now been removed. The Planning Officer advised that the plant equipment at second floor remains in situ, as the applicant had submitted an appeal.

·         Members were advised that the position of the proposed air conditioning units above the flat roof of the two storey building is acceptable as the units are set in from the south and east elevations which ensures that any views from the public realm is largely obscured with the only views possible from the public realm to the west.

·         An objector was concerned about one air conditioning unit operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and regarded the mitigation proposal as insufficient to address the noise levels especially as it had not been tested. The objector queried the hours of operation of the other 8 air conditioning units as proposed by the applicant, requesting that the times to reflect what was stipulated in the previous application of 8.00am to 8.00pm instead of the 6.30am to 8.00pm be restored.

·         Members proposed to revise condition 8 to allow the use of a timer to control the operation of the 7 air source heat pumps and 1 air conditioning unit between the hours of 08.am and 20.00pm Monday to Fridays only.

·         Objector was concerned with the inaccurate noise report submitted by the applicant and the measurement of background sounds as not a fair reflection of the current situation and the construction work in the surrounding area. There was also concern about the air conditioning units be in operation over the weekend when the office is closed.

·         In response to noise concerns and its impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents, the agent informed members that only 1 out of the 9 air conditioning units would be in operation for 24hours and although placed in an acoustic enclosure, the units will be emitting 5 decibels lesser than the required noise levels.

·         On the issue for the need of air conditioning units being used for 24 hours, the agent advised that the parent company is based in Australia hence the need to have skeletal staff to manage the London office and its servers.

·         Members enquired about the proposed operating hours for of the units and in particular on the weekend.

·         Councillor Clarke proposed a motion that the operating hours be amended to read from 8.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday. Councillor Graham seconded the motion and it was carried.

·         With regards to the post installation noise report, the agent reassured members that if the tests confirm that the air conditioning unit is not in compliance of the required noise levels, the air conditioning units would be switched off.

·         Members requested condition 7 be reworded, to be specific in terms of the timetable for the noise report to be submitted and it being to be enforced. Members agreed that condition 7 be amended, the exact wording to be delegated to the planning officer and the Chair.

·         In response to a question about the existing unauthorised plant equipment which is presently subject to an enforcement appeal, the agent acknowledged that the unit would be removed within 1 month of the planning permission being granted.

RESOLVED:

That following consideration of the case officer’s report (the assessment and recommendations therein), the presentation to Committee, submitted representations and objections provided verbally at this meeting, planning permission be granted subject to the amended conditions above and the prior withdrawal of enforcement appeal as mentioned above.

Revised Condition 7 Post Installation Noise Report: Within 6 months of the installation of the hereby approved plant equipment a report is to be commissioned by the applicant, using an appropriately experienced & competent person, to assess the noise from the proposed mechanical plant to demonstrate compliance with condition 6. The report shall include site measurements of the plant insitu. The report shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and any noise mitigation measures shall be installed before commencement of the development hereby permitted and permanently retained thereafter into perpetuity.

In the event that the submitted information identifies that the noise levels exceed the limits identified within condition 6, the use of the equipment shall cease, until such time following formal confirmation from the Local Planning Authority that any remediation measures supplied by the applicant demonstrate compliance.

REASON: In order to protect the amenity of neighbouring properties in terms of noise.

Revised Condition 8 Installation of timer: Prior to the hereby approved plant equipment being used, a timer shall be installed limiting the operation of the 7 no. air source pumps (Mitsubishi Y Series (PUMY-SP112 – 12.5-15.5KW) units) and 1 no. outdoor air conditioning unit (Daikin Split Sky Air (RZQSG1009V1) between the hours of 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday only. The timer shall be maintained as such thereafter into perpetuity.

REASON: In order to protect the amenity of neighbouring properties in terms of noise