Agenda item

RESOLVED

That it be noted that the Committee agreed to:

GRANT planning permission for the application submitted under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for Minor Material Amendments for the variation of Condition (2) approved drawings in connection with the planning permission (DC/20/118644) dated 14 January 2021 for the erection of two additional storeys above the existing residential block to provide 6 x 2 bed flats with associated parking and internal refurbishment works with works to the fabric of the building and the provision of a new lift at Woodelm Court, 123, Devonshire Road SE23

Subject to conditions and informatives outlined in the report.

The Planning Officer gave an illustrative presentation, recommending the grant of planning permission for the proposal, as outlined in the Officer’s report.

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

Principle of Development • Housing • Urban Design • Impact on Adjoining Properties • Transport

Following the Officers presentation, Members did not put any questions to the Officer.

The agent addressed the Committee and described the application site. The applicant discussed: prior refused application, consultation with the local authority, concerns from refused application addressed, improvement in new application, design, materials,

Questions were put to the agent by the Committee members that related to: social housing and access.

The agent advised the social housing element was not a requirement for the proposal.

A lift would not provide access to all the building floors, due to a mezzanine.

The Committee were informed by the agent that wheelchair access was not a requirement for the development. The agent also noted that access through the building was not possible without using the stairs available.

No questions were put to the agent by the Committee.

Two representatives with objections addressed the Committee. The representatives discussed: materials, incongruent design, impacts of external and internal light, community representation, vulnerable people, petition letter, consultation issues, prior meeting regarding refused application and material considerations.

The following member’s questions put to the representative and Officer related to: principle of development, design and light impacts.

The representatives advised Members that it was felt the principle of the development was purely for profit, since it did not include any social housing. The representatives also advised the Committee the sudden development of 2 extra stories to the building was paired with confusing consultation language.

The Officer provided further clarification regarding the consultation measures taken, as outlined in the Officers report, addressing units 5 and 6 of the proposed development.

The Officer also gave Members a historical account of the application.

The Chair suspended Standing Orders at 9.52 pm.

The TL supported the Officers advice and assured Members that the height of the building had not changed.

The Officer provided clarification with regard to the lighting as outlined in the Officer report.

The TL supported the Officers advice and informed the Committee, that it would not be possible to condition internal light as it would not be enforceable. It would not be advisable to condition mitigation measures such as tinting of windows, to reduce external lighting. Such measures would have a negative impact on the natural lighting of the proposed development. Members were advised such a mitigation measure would induce a reliance upon internal artificial lighting, which would run contrary to efforts to reduce energy consumption.

The Officer noted the amendments to the application with regard to the lift, front extension, cladding material. The Officer confirmed the original application contained a lift, but the new application did not and was viewed as acceptable by officers. Members were provided with further clarification by the Officer of how the non-provision of a lift on the proposed development, was acceptable under the London Plan. The Officer informed Members that the option of a stair lift, was not part of the proposal.

Members considered the submissions made and

RESOLVED - unanimously

That it be noted that the Committee agreed to:

GRANT planning permission for the application submitted under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for Minor Material Amendments for the variation of Condition (2) approved drawings in connection with the planning permission (DC/20/118644) dated 14 January 2021 for the erection of two additional storeys above the existing residential block to provide 6 x 2 bed flats with associated parking and internal refurbishment works with works to the fabric of the building and the provision of a new lift at Woodelm Court, 123, Devonshire Road SE23

Subject to conditions and informatives outlined in the report.