Agenda item

Section 73 (Minor material amendment) for removal / variation of condition 5 (hours of use of community centre) following a grant of planning permission Ref: P2017/4445/FUL dated 29/03/2018 For Erection of a new single storey Church and Community centre for Christ Church Highbury to accommodate the Church's office, reception and administration functions, as well as flexible community space for Church activities and community outreach, and a small cafe and associated alterations to the building. The application seeks to vary the existing opening hours of the community centre to commence at 07.00 hours daily

(Planning application number: P2021/1810/S73)

In the discussion the following points were made:

·       The Planning Officer highlighted in their presentation to the Committee that the application was to vary Condition 5 to allow the start time to commence at 7am from the existing 8am; and gave an overview of the site location plan, site in the context of Grade II listed buildings, street view photos, site plan, the approved ground floor plan and the approved elevations.

·       The Objector raised concerns as the closest neighbour to the site, that the reason Condition 5 was put in place originally was to prevent noise disturbance in what was now a quiet area, and that there would be an increase in traffic and issues around parking.

·       The Applicant proposal would enhance their ability to offer the space at a low cost or no cost to groups in need in the community, that they already community groups such as a support group for Ukrainian refugees and a foodbank, and the ability to let the space commercially at this time for which there is demand helps support this work and running costs. An example cited was hiring the space for fitness classes. The applicant confirmed this application did not relate to the café, only to the circular community space, for which the maximum capacity would be 20.

·       It was confirmed that the environmental health officer has raised no objections and the class use was D1.

·       It was suggested that a condition for no amplified music before 8am be tabled. It was noted by members however, that no noise objections had been raised and that there had already been a compromise in requesting an opening time from 7am rather than the 6am which had already been proposed, and that another condition would be detrimental. The Legal Officer’s opinion was that provided the Committee felt the condition was necessary, it could be imposed.  It was also suggested that the application be approved, with the parking issues addressed separately by Council officers.

Councillor Ibrahim proposed a motion to implement an additional condition for the prohibition of amplified music before 8am. Wording was to be delegated to officers. This was seconded by Councillor Klute 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 and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report and the additional condition outlined 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 as amended above, the wording of which was delegated to officers; and subject to any direction by the Mayor of London to refuse the application or for it to be called in for determination by the Mayor of London.