Agenda item

The Planning Officer gave an illustrative presentation recommending the grant of planning permission for the demolition of seven (7) existing garages at Bampton Estate, Bampton Road SE23, to allow for the construction of one (1) part three/part four/part five storey building to provide thirty nine (39) over 55s dwelling units, together with the provision of the relocated ball court, associated landscaping, refuse storage and cycle and car parking.

The committee noted the report and that the main issues were:

·       Principle of Development

·       Housing

·       Specialist Residential Uses

·       Urban Design

·       Transport Impact

·       Impact on Adjoining Properties

·       Sustainable Development

·       Natural Environment

Following members’ enquiries the Officer confirmed that a condition would be attached to ensure a staged development would ensure the ball court is re-provided before the existing one is demolished, and that prior to commencement of development, specification details of the re-provided ball court would be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Officer also confirmed that the site is not located within a Conservation Area, and that the separation distances from most surrounding residential properties are well in excess of the Council’s recommended minimum standards and it is therefore considered the outlook and privacy received in the proposed dwellings would be of an acceptable standard. The building is considered to be of an appropriate proportion, scale and orientation to its surroundings. The Officer stated that multiple locations for the re-provided ball court were assessed with consideration predominately given to tree loss, slope, existing buildings and relationship with Windrush Lane. It was concluded that on balance the proposed location was the most appropriate. The Officer confirmed that whilst the proposal is for specialised aged care for over 55’s, and no designated children’s play space is required to be provided, the re-provided ball court would ensure the existing children’s play space is not lost. The Officer stated that the proposed material palette was considered to be high quality and the final details would be secured by Condition.

The agent on behalf of the applicant, Lewisham Homes addressed the Committee, advising of the extensive consultation and improvement works procedures followed.

The agent also advised the Committee of the site plan specifications, highlighting the need for affordable over 55’s housing, allowing for the release of under occupied homes. The agent stated that the space provided exceeded the requirements of the London Plan, and the energy efficiency of the development.

Following members’ enquiries the agent clarified that the site plan height level was comparable to a 5 block development. The agent confirmed the brief received from the client specified 1 bedroom units as opposed to 2 bedroom units. The agent clarified that disabled parking was provided using the local authority requirement of 10% of overall parking provision. The agent acknowledged that the ‘Bampton Green’ provides a community benefit, as the local residents would still be able to use the greenspace and re-provided ball court. Additionally, owing to the Asset of Community Value (ACV) registration, the applicant would have the opportunity to make a bid to purchase the land in the event of a sale.

Resident Yekaterina Kartasheva, addressed the Committee advising that she was representing residents located near to the application site. The residents were opposed to the proposal because the concerns they raised about estate disruption, the ball court, tree/green loss, parking and traffic, impact on existing buildings, estate strategy, estate management, consultation and ACV registration.

Councillor Susan Wise addressed the Committee representing her Ward, Perry Vale speaking in favour of the application.

The Committee considered the submissions made at the meeting, and

RESOLVED

That full planning permission be GRANTED for the demolition of seven (7) existing garages at Bampton Estate, Bampton Road SE23, to allow for the construction of one (1) part three/part four/part five storey building to provide:

·       thirty nine (39) over 55s dwelling units, together with the provision of:

o The relocated ball court.

o Associated landscaping.

o Refuse storage.

o Cycle, mobility scooter and car parking, and

o Road improvements to Windrush Lane.

And a requirement that officers should formulate conditions in relation to public consultation of the ball court design, landscaping to consider the boundary with Perry Vale properties and evidence based studies to confirm the number of Wheelchair Accessible parking bays required.

The meeting closed at 10:15 pm