Agenda, decisions and minutes

Councillor Kevin Bonavia disclosed that although he was a ward Member for Blackheath Ward, his contribution in the meeting was not as a representative on behalf of his constituents, but as a Member of the Committee in determining the proposal in the report.

The Committee made an amendment to the wording in the decision of Minutes of the meeting of 17 November 2020.  The Chair directed that the amendments should be discussed with planning officers for resubmission to the next meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That it be AGREED to approve proposals in the report, and refer the application and this report and any other required documents to the Mayor of London (Greater London Authority) under Article 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008 (Category 1C and 1A of the Schedule of the Order):

And,

Subject to no direction being received from the Mayor of London, authorise officers to negotiate and complete a legal agreement under Section 106 and of the 1990 Act (and other appropriate powers) to cover the principal matters set out in this report, inkling such other amendments as considered appropriate to ensure the acceptable implementation of the development.

And

Authorise the Head of Planning to GRANT PERMISSION for the construction of a part seven/part nine storey building on the site of Blackheath Business Estate, Blackheath Hill SE10 to provide 31, one bed 24, two bed and 8, three bedroom self-contained flats and a four storey building to provide 2288 sqm² commercial space, together with disabled parking, cycle parking, play space, refuse storage and plant, subject to amendments to some conditions set out in the report, the additional conditions agreed at the meeting and completion of a satisfactory legal agreement as follows:

1.            Additional requirements, that as part of the Section 106 Agreement,:

(i)            Require all reasonable endeavours to promote pepper potting of the affordable units amongst the open market units, following liaison with Registered Providers and submission to be made to the Council for approval.

2.            Additional planning conditions:

(i)            Stating that all of the external amenity spaces within the development, including the roof-top amenity space on Block A and B shall be made accessible to all residents of the entire development at all times for the duration of the development, unless a report has been submitted to, and approved by the Local Authority, prior to first occupation of the development, detailing how such a requirement would prevent the development from achieving ‘secured by design’ certification.; and

(ii)           Add a condition requiring detail of playable space and how it is catered for each age group (0-5; 6-11; 12+)

3.            Revision to planning conditions included in the report:

(i)           Amend wording of condition 12 (Soft Landscaping) and 13 (Implementation) to include a required for submission of living wall detail proposed on the rear elevation of the commercial building. Amendment to condition 13 to refer to landscaping maintenance and replacement in perpetuity if a tree fails.

(ii)          Amend wording of condition 11 (Electric Vehicular charging points) to include for all car parking spaces and for the loading bays of the commercial block.

The Senior Planning Officer gave an illustrative presentation to the report, recommending that the Committee approve the proposal for planning permission to construct a part seven/part nine storey residential building and four storey commercial building with other associated works on Blackheath Business Estate, Blackheath Hill, SE10 8BA.

The Committee noted the report, and that the proposal would deliver 31 one bed, 24 two bed and 8 three bedroom residential dwellings, together with commercial space and associated amenities, including disabled parking, cycle parking, play space, refuse storage and plant areas.

In discussing the details in the report, Members asked questions and noted responses from officers on matters relating to the advice provided by the Council’s Tree Officer, the amenity value of the development, ecology, the green wall and trees to be planted on the proposed site, including the landscaping design, and tenure blinding of the units to be delivered.  Further responses noted by Members were in relation to pepper-potting of affordable housing units, potential traffic congestion and parking pressures, and the adequacy of the proposed vehicle delivery and service areas to support commercial activities on the proposed site when the development becomes operational.

The agents for the applicants also made submissions to the Committee, reiterating statements in the report about the design, façade, number of private and affordable housing units to be delivered, density of the proposed buildings and materials to be used.  Also highlighted by the agents were the provision of flexible employment areas, private and shared amenity spaces.  Plans to use renewable sources of energy, bio-diversity and ecology considerations were also stated by the agents as key elements of the proposed development.

In response to questions raised, the agents for the applicants gave an assurance to the Committee that their team consulted widely with residents via letters and series of remote meetings and workshops, including frequent liaisons with Council officers in the Housing Team and Planning Division throughout the feasibility and planning stages of the application.  It was stated that the applicant would continue liaising with Council’s officials, with a view to deliver according to the construction specification, and to ensure adequate re-location support to existing residents.  The Committee also received confirmation that the as part of the implementation plan, there would be arrangements to hold seasonal education and community events for residents when delivery becomes operational. 

The Committee’s attention was further drawn by the agents to the fact that the applicant aimed to provide 37% affordable housing across the proposed scheme with habitable room.  It was stated that the affordable housing provision was in accordance with the Council’s housing policy to deliver homes to its residents.  It was clarified that in addition to commercial areas with purposeful workspaces for start-up businesses, the total number of affordable and private dwellings to be delivered would be of a high-quality.  The agents suggested that the Committee should approve the officer’s recommendation in the report, in order to enable the applicant to deliver the proposed development, which would represent a new benchmark  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.