Agenda item

The Planning Officer Michael Johnson outlined details of the proposal.

The Committee received verbal representation from Mehul Patel, the applicant. Mr Patel gave an overview of the proposal, circulated photographs of the site among Members and addressed a question from Councillor Hilton as to whether the proposal had already been built.

The Committee received verbal representation from Sue Heath, speaking on behalf of the Governors of the neighbouring All Saints' Primary School, objecting to the proposal. Ms Gault raised concerns regarding the health and safety of the students of the school during construction and the stability of the proposed retaining wall.

The Committee received further verbal representation from Howard Shields of The Blackheath Society, objecting to the proposal. Mr Shields raised concerns regarding the integrity of the proposed retaining wall and suggested a Structural Report was usually submitted in support of similar applications.

The objectors addressed questions from Councillors Jeffrey, Adefiranye and Walsh regarding whether there was an archaeological interest on the site and as to why an application for full planning permission had not been made.

Councillor Kennedy arrived to the meeting at 8.15pm.

The Legal Officer Kevin Chadd addressed a question from Councillor Walsh as to whether planning permission could be granted, with Condition 3 to be approved by Planning Committee at a later stage.

At 8.20pm Councillor Walsh proposed an additional Condition be imposed limiting excavation works to be completed outside of school term.

Following deliberation by Members, Councillor Walsh moved a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission, subject to Condition 3 (Construction Management Plan) being determined at Planning Committee. It was seconded by Councillor Till.

FOR:                Councillors Abdeslam Amrani (Chair), Andre Bourne (Vice Chair), Hilton, Jeffrey, Till, Walsh

AGAINST:         Councillors Adefiranye,  Raven

ABSTAINED:     Councillor Kennedy

RESOLVED:     That planning permission be granted in respect of application No. DC/15/94940 subject to the conditions outlined in the report, as well as an additional condition in respect of excavation works and the approval of Condition 3 at Planning Committee.

3. Construction/Environmental Management Plan

No development shall commence on site until such time as a Construction Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The plan shall cover:-

(a)   Dust mitigation measures.

(b)   The location and operation of plant and wheel washing facilities

(c)   Details of best practical measures to be employed to mitigate noise and vibration arising out of the construction process

(d)   A structural method statement prepared by an appropriately qualified civil or structural engineer, demonstrating how the excavation, demolition and construction work (including temporary propping and other temporary works) are to be carried out whilst safeguarding the structural stability of the adjoining retaining wall

(e)   Details of construction traffic movements including cumulative impacts which shall demonstrate the following:-

(i)       Rationalise travel and traffic routes to and from the site.

(ii)      Provide full details of the number and time of construction vehicle trips to the site with the intention and aim of reducing the impact of construction relates activity.

(iii)    Measures to deal with safe pedestrian movement.

(f)    Security Management (to minimise risks to unauthorised personnel).

(g)  Details of the training of site operatives to follow the Construction Management Plan requirements and any Environmental Management Plan requirements (delete reference to Environmental Management Plan requirements if not relevant).

Reason:  In order that the local planning authority may be satisfied that the demolition and construction process is carried out in a manner which will minimise possible noise, disturbance and pollution to neighbouring properties and to comply with Policy 5.3 Sustainable design and construction, Policy 6.3 Assessing effects of development on transport capacity and Policy 7.14 Improving air quality of the London Plan (2011).

Excavation Works

No works of excavation in connection with the approved basement (as identified in the Construction Management Plan) shall  take place during the term times of All Saints School.

Reason: In order to minimise disruption to the operation of the school in the interest of educational continuity, amenity and safety in compliance with Policy 5.18 Construction, excavation and demolition waste of the London Plan 2015 (as amended).