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Agenda item

Catholic Church of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus, 64 Eden Grove London, N7 8EN

Minutes:

Construction of a tower over the existing listed church and associated alterations.

(Planning application number: P2018/1453/FUL)

 

In the discussion the following points were made:

·         The Planning Officer informed the meeting that the application seeks to complete the tower in line with the architect’s original design which was never constructed because the Parish had run out of funds and that the construction of the tower is considered to represent a heritage benefit which enhances the significance of the Grade II listed building and the St Magdalene Conservation Area.

·         With regards the impact of the proposal on the amenity of surrounding residential properties, the meeting was advised that a revised sunlight/daylight  and overshadowing report had been submitted after agenda was published which indicates a limited and minimal loss of daylight/sunlight and overshadowing  to the habitable room windows and outside amenity spaces adjoining and facing onto the application site.

·         Members were advised that although the proposed extension to the tower taking the total height of the building to 31 metres is defined as tall building’ within the definition of the Islington’s local plan and visible from several locations within the conservation area, it is considered to make a unique and positive contribution to the townscape.

·         In response to concerns about the design of the tower, the planning officer advised that the council’s design and heritage team had been consulted and no objections had been received.

·         A neighbouring resident indicated that although she welcomed the proposal in principle she had concerns about overlooking from the tower into one of the bedrooms in her house and wanted some assurance on being notified if and when the church carries out maintenance work. In addition, the objector enquired if a mesh could be erected in and around the opening to distract pigeons and prevent droppings.

·         In response to concerns about overlooking, the applicant advised that although maintenance of the tower would possibly be only once a year, the church will continue working with the neighbouring resident if any planned maintenance is to be carried out.

·         On the question of addressing the nuisance as a result of pigeon droppings, the meeting was advised that the design and consultation team have objected to any form of mesh being put in place to prevent pigeon nuisance or droppings and that any external mechanism would require planning permission.

·         In response to a question on whether in the future the church could install a bell in the tower, the Planning Officer advised that the committee could include a condition with the permission to prevent the applicant installing a bell.

·         Members agreed that the exact wording to the condition restricting the installation of a ringing bell in the tower be delegated to planning officer and the Chair.

 

Councillor Clarke proposed a motion to include a new condition restricting the installation of a bell in tower. This was seconded by Councillor Gill and carried.

 

 

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 conditions set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report, an additional condition restricting a bell in the tower and no objection or direction being received from the Greater London Authority (GLA) raising new issues not considered in the report.

 

CONDITION: Notwithstanding the hereby approved plans, no development shallcommence on site until details of proposed measures to control the roosting of pigeons in the tower is submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

 

The pigeon-proofing measures shall be installed within one week of completion of the tower and shall be retained as such thereafter into perpetuity.

 

REASON: To protect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.

 

CONDITION: Notwithstanding the hereby approved plans, no planning permission

 is granted for any installation of any form of bell within the hereby approved

development.

 

REASON: To protect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers in terms of noise and disturbances emanating from the application site.

 

Supporting documents: