Agenda item

Redevelopment of the land behind 12 Chadwell Street to provide a new three bed dwelling across ground and basement levels with associated amenity space and land scaping the proposal also includes demolition of existing hardstanding.

(Planning application number: P2020/2995/FUL)

In the discussion the following points were made:

• The planning officer highlighted that an additional objection had been raised.
• Members raised questions regarding the bin storage. The planning officer advised that the bins could be stored in the same location but would need to be moved to the front of the properties for collection. The Sub-Committee considered the implications of bins stored at the front of the house and the impact of moving the bins on those with disabilities.
• Concerning Paragraph 7.17, a member asked what criteria would be used to decide whether or not an air source heat pump would be used. The planning officer stated that the sustainability statement suggested the pump be used, with gas and enhanced building fabrics being an alternative option if the pump could not be provided. Full justification and a section 73 application would need to be provided to vary or remove that condition.
• The objectors raised concerns regarding access to a right of way; size and scale; damage to the conservation area; threat to high quality legally protected trees; cleaning and maintenance problems caused by autumnal leaves; the use of the heat pump and the need for a noise and impact assessment; bin storage and the integrity of a Thames Water mains pipe.
• The applicant stated that since the previous scheme was refused, they had worked with officers to reduce the footprint of the proposed dwelling; set the front elevation back; reduced the site coverage by 35%; reduced the height; moved the bike storage to reduce visual intrusion from the road; provided a greater level of subservience to the surroundings and provided a greater level of external amenity for future residents.  The site was a carpark and the applicant considered that it did not contribute towards sustainable development and the character of the surrounding listed buildings. He posited that planning policy promoted this type of development; the London Plan required small sites to be optimised for housing due to the housing crisis; the development was subservient in scale to the surrounding buildings; did not have prominence from the street; provided potential landscape improvements; an excellent living environment for future residents and safeguarded the amenity of neighbours. It was highlighted that the development achieved or exceeded all space and amenity standards and had been thoroughly assessed in terms of daylight and sunlight.
• The Chair asked why there had not been agreement on the right of way. The agent’s representative was not aware of discussions on this. The council’s legal representative confirmed it was a private right of access and the sub-committee could not impose a condition.
• The Chair asked about the bin collections. This would be considered private rights rather than a material planning consideration.
• The Chair asked about the impact of the development on the roots of trees. Trees had been considered in a tree impact assessment that had been agreed by the council’s relevant officers.
• The sub-committee considered cycle storage. The planning officer advised that cycle storage was in line with the council’s policy.
• The sub-committee considered noise pollution from the air source pump. The planning officer advised that this had been conditioned.

RESOLVED:

That following consideration of the case officer’s report (the assessment and recommendations therein), the presentation to sub-committee, submitted representations  and objections provided verbally at this meeting, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report 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.