Agenda item

Councillor Dacres joined the committee meeting.

The Presenting Officer outlined the details of the case for the change of use, alteration and conversion of the Class B1 office space at ground and first floor levels of Eddystone Tower, Oxestalls Road SE8 together with the demolition of the existing rear extension, the construction of a two storey rear extension and alterations to the elevations to provide 2 three bedroom maisonettes, 1 two bedroom, 1 three bedroom and 1 four bedroom self-contained flats and a community facility (Use Class D1).

The Presenting Officer outlined that five units would be provided as a part of Lewisham Homes 500 Homes Programme and that all of the units would meet or exceed the required space standards. The Presenting Officer outlined that one objection was received.

Councillor Hooks asked whether the application was being determined at Committee due to the objection, this was confirmed by the Presenting Officer.

The Committee received verbal representations from John Milner of Baily Garner LLP and Kelvin Barker of Lewisham Homes. John Milner outlined that five social rent units and a community space would be provided, all units would benefit from private amenity space and that cladding has been removed from the proposal. Kelvin Barker outlined that the management of the community facility is yet to be confirmed but it will either be managed by the Council or Lewisham Homes. Kelvin Barker states that everything he stated in regards to the community liaison on the previous item on the agenda is applicable to current application. Councillor Clarke states this is fine and it does not need to be repeated.

Councillor Paschoud asked if the Tenants Residents Association (TRA) have raised concerns over the move of the office. Kelvin Barker stated that the housing office was moved a few years ago and that this was subject to consultation.

Members also asked questions in regards to use of the community space and Kelvin Barker stated that the proposed use of the community space is in response to consultation with residents.

The Committee received verbal representations from Malcolm Cadman a resident and from the Chair of Tenants action Group and Pepys Forum. Malcolm Cadman outlined that he is not opposed to the provision of social rent units but does not consider the proposal to be attractive. Malcolm Cadman also raised concerns about the proposed use of the community space and the lack of consultation in the design of the proposal. It was stated that consultation events were regularly cancelled.

Councillor Paschoud outlined that the objectors raise valid points in regards to the communication between existing tenants and Lewisham Homes but that they are not relevant to the current planning application. Councillor Paschoud asked Councillor Clarke (Chair) to raise these concerns to the relevant bodies/committees.

Councillor Sorba and Jacca asked for clarification on the consultation process as the objectors stated that consultation was not carried out correctly. The Presenting Officer clarified that there are two types of consultation, there is the statutory consultation for the planning application and that there is a separate corporate consultation process.  

Councillor Paschoud moved a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation, it was seconded by Councillor Hooks.

Members voted as follows:

FOR: Councillors Clarke (Chair) Hooks, Paschoud, Dacres, Hordijenko, Sorba and Jacca.

ABSATINED: Councillor Bernards

RESOLVED: That the application DC/17/104445 be approved.

Councillor Hooks left the committee.