Agenda item

The Planning Officer outlined details of the proposal for demolition of the existing Community Building and construction of an Extra Care development on part of the site of Hazelhurst Court, to provide 58 one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom flats for older people, including the provision of 6 wheelchair units, with shared communal facilities at ground floor including a kitchen, living rooms, staff rooms and multi-use spaces in 3 blocks of four-storeys arranged around a courtyard on the main site to the north of Hazelhurst Court [Block A] and 1 block of five-storeys to the south of 'Beckenham Park Heights' [Block B], with the re-organisation of 22 parking spaces (including 6 disabled vehicle bays), the provision of 64 cycle spaces, the felling of existing trees and provision of new tree planting and landscaping.

The Committee received verbal representation from Ms A Lowman and Mr Conner of Phoenix Community Housing, who read from a prepared statement and Mr Gibney of bptw Partnership, who circulated a CGI image of the development to Members and from Mr J Rico, who read from a prepared statement, together with a resident of 3 Hazlehurst Court and on behalf of other objectors, who submitted photographs which were tabled to Members before the meeting in support of objections raised to the development regarding the removal of trees, disruption and the effect it will have on the wild life, parking, anti-social behaviour and the lack of consultation with neighbours by Phoenix.

At 9:51pm the Chair ask Members if they would agree to suspend Standing Orders to allow the meeting to continue. This was unanimously agreed by Members.

Councillor Britton spoke Under Standing Orders as a Ward Councillor in support of objections raised to the development, he also stated that he requested a scale model of the development for Members to see the geographical location in relationship to the surrounding area and how it would effect the open green space, his request was declined on the grounds that it was not necessary.

He ended his presentation by stating that this is the wrong development in the wrong place.

Councillor Hall spoke Under Standing Orders as an adjoining Ward Councillor of Bellingham. He also declared a personal interest as a board member of Phoenix Housing Group. He addressed issues raised by the objectors by confirming that the site was chosen for the amenity space, mature and the type of trees to be replaced will be done through negation with residents, 58 one bedroom flats are all wheel-chair compatible and he also confirmed that there is underground parking in Beckenham Hill Heights.

Councillors Britton and Hall vacated the room.

Councillor Clarke, stated that she faired the council is setting a president against it’s own policies by taking down the existing mature trees which are good for the environment, bulking and the amenity space.

Following questions and deliberation by Members, Councillor Ibtson moved a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission, which was seconded by Councillor Paschoud.

Members voted as follows:.

FOR:                                   Councillors Bell (Chair), Hilton, Ibitson, Klier, Ogunbadewa, John Paschoud and Slater.

AGAINST:                             Councillor Clarke

RESOLVED:                       that Planning Permission be granted in respect of Application No.DC/14/88227, subject to conditions as set out in the report and the applicant be informed.