Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Curran declared that he publicly supports the project.

CONVOYS WHARF, PRINCE STREET SE8 3JH

The Chair proposed and it was agreed, that there was no need to discuss the confidential financial viability report as this is already covered in the recommendations and Appendices which are attached to the public Agenda.

The Chair advised Members that this meeting was to consider outstanding planning issues relating to the application, listen to the concerns of local groups and members of the public and ensure that a comprehensive overview of the Council’s position is sent to the Mayor of London for his consideration.

An Addendum had been prepared clarifying paragraph 5.4.7 of the report, together with a document submitted by the Sayes Court Garden Group tabled for Members before the meeting.

John Miller (The Head of Planning) provided background information on the development and reiterated to Members that, the effect of the Mayor of London’s decision to act as local planning authority in this case is that the London Borough of Lewisham has no formal planning powers in the determination of this application, the grant (or refusal) of planning permission, the scope of conditions or the content of any S106 agreement.  The GLA has however invited the Council to participate in discussions with the applicant, Hutchison Whampoa, prior to the GLA determining the application.

He also reported to Members that additional emails had been  received following completion of the report. The Lenox Project requested amendments to the end of paragraph 7.5.6: in the report stating that: 

‘The resulting practical challenges, increased cost and reduction in visitor numbers would render the project unviable on the protected wharf.'

And an email was received from a resident stating that, they are unable to attend the meeting, but is in favour of the redevelopment if an extension of the Thames path is created the full length of the site with sufficient leisure facilities and the scheme can be accessed by non residents.

Councillor Hall requested that The Head of Planning give an undertaking to inform Members at every stage of the process.

The Head of Planning assured Members that this will be done.

The Committee received verbal representations from Dame Joan Ruddock MP, who read from a prepared statement, confirming that she first became involved with Convoys Wharf 13 years ago. She also stated that the development should retain the vibrancy of Deptford, not to be gated, the planning officers should maintain close contact with the local community to address the issues of affordable housing, transport, employment and apprenticeship programs within the Deptford and New Cross areas. 

She also requested that the developers go further in addressing the issues and the council to make sure they do.  

The Committee received verbal representations from a number of individuals who read from prepared statements on behalf of local groups as follows:

·           Build the Lenox                                 - Julian Kingston

·           The Sayes Court Garden Group     - Roo Angell and Bob Bagley

·           People Before Profit                         - Ray Woolford

·           The Pepys Community Forum       - Malcolm Cadman

·           The Tenants Action Group              -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.