Agenda item

Installation of a replacement shopfront with associated fascia, internal security shutter and internal accessibility improvements. Retention of D1 (non-residential institution) use at ground floor and B1 (office) use at upper floor levels

(Planning application number: P2020/1194/FUL)

In the discussion the following points were made:

The discussion of this application was considered in conjunction with Item B3, although votes with regard to its recommendation was taken separately. In the discussion the following points were made:

·         The Planning Officer informed Members that the application site comprises a three storey mid-terrace Victorian property located on the southern side of Seven Sisters Road and that the building is not locally nor statutorily listed, nor is it located within a conservation area.

·         Meeting was advised that the proposed replacement shopfront would represent a positive improvement to the front elevation of the host building, and the proposed replacement signage would not cause harm to the character or appearance of the building or the wider streetscene of Seven Sisters Road.  In addition, members were advised that the proposed internal access improvements would represent a positive improvement.

·         Members were informed that whilst in need of some general repairs and maintenance, the host terrace of which the building forms a part thereof, is of architectural group value as an example of a Victorian retail shopping frontage. The site is located within Nags Head Town Centre (Secondary Retail Frontage) and the Nags Head and Upper Holloway Road Core Strategy Key Area.  Therefore, no concerns are raised with regard to the proposed retention of this use.

·         Members were advised that the proposal seeks to ensure that proposed development responds positively to existing buildings, the streetscape and the wider context, including local architecture and character, surrounding heritage assets, and locally distinctive patterns of development.

·         Meeting was informed that the existing shopfront, the majority of which is recessed, is of timber construction with significant tiled framing, however the proposed replacement timber shopfront would not be recessed from the pavement and would be more traditional in appearance incorporating a stallriser, transoms and mullions, and a fanlight above the entrance. In addition, the shopfront would be set within ceramic tiled cheeks and the existing solid metal roller shutter would also be replaced by a visually permeable ‘shell’ roller shutter, to be installed internally behind the new shopfront.

·         The Planning Officer noted that the replacement shopfront would enhance the character and appearance of the building by re-introducing many of the features common within traditional Victorian shopfronts. The removal of the existing bulky external shutter and installation of the replacement internal ‘shell’ roller shutter is also a welcomed addition. Overall, the proposed shopfront and roller shutter represents a significant improvement to the character and appearance of the host building and the wider streetscene.

·         Meeting was informed that the existing non-illuminated fascia signage would be replaced by a signage of the same height but with a reduced width, so it would be more discreet. The Planning Officer informed members that a condition has been recommended for the advertisement consent to ensure that the LED matrix display is static, not animated or flashing, with a maximum illuminance level of 250 cd/m2.

·         The Planning Officer noted that overall, the proposed replacement signage is considered to be acceptable and no highway safety concerns to pedestrians exists.

·         The Planning Officer advised that condition has been recommended for hours of use from  7am-10pm, Monday to Sunday as the proposal retains the original use.

·         On the issue of amenity, members were advised that although the proposed replacement signage would be minimal in size it is important to note that  there are no residential properties within the application building, and the illuminated signage would not cause harm with regard to light disturbance. The proposals would therefore not cause undue harm to neighbouring amenity with regard to overshadowing, overlooking, privacy, access to natural light, over-dominance, sense of enclosure or outlook.

·         The project manager (and applicant) for the affordable workspace team informed the meeting that the application is part of the GLA funded project to bring improvement to council owned buildings and an opportunity to increase the active participation of the building as it will provide training support for the youth as part of the Council’s Islington Affordable Youth Project. The use of the building is vital for Islington youth funded by GLA and the Council and welcomed by the community.

·         During deliberation, it was noted that this is a council owned building with  Members acknowledging the opportunity to improve a building which has been in a state of disrepair. Members welcomed the replacement of the building frontage which will be in line with other traditional shop fronts in the local vicinity and importantly it will enhance the town centre landscape.

Councillor Convery proposed a motion to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Poyser 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, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report.