Agenda item

MOVED, SECONDED, and unanimously RESOLVED to GRANT planning permission for the construction of 5 two-storey dwellinghouses, together with cycle parking, refuse storage and associated landscaping on land on the east side of 68 Ravensbourne Park Crescent, SE6,

•         Subject to a unilateral undertaking and to the conditions and informatives as outlined in the report, with additional conditions as follows:

i.         That the side access to No. 68’s rear garden would be paved and secured with a lockable gate.

ii.        That steps would be taken to ensure high-quality lighting design and installation in order to prevent adverse impacts of light pollution which can have a detrimental impact on biodiversity and wildlife, local character, pedestrian environment, residential amenity and views of the night sky.

3.1   The Planning Officer gave an illustrative presentation to the Addendum Report under consideration at the meeting. The Addendum Report stemmed from the original report considered by Members on 11 June 2024, wherein the Committee approved planning permission for the construction of 5 two-storey dwellinghouses, together with cycle parking, refuse storage and associated landscaping on the east side of 68 Ravensbourne Park Crescent, SE6.

3.2   In considering the submission, the Committee received clarification from the Officer that the recommendations in the approved scheme were granted subject to the conditions that were stated therein, however, the completion of the unilateral undertaking remained unchanged. Thereafter, following complaints by residents about the decision that was taken when the scheme was approved, the local Planning Authority concluded that the original application should be reported back for Members to consider minor updates and the history of the proposed site, including matters relating to the historical buildings and the provision of local open space in the vicinity.  

3.3   In clarifying the rationale for the update, the Planning Officer submitted that although the proposed site was next to an area of archaeological priority, it did not bear any weight on the planning application that was considered before the scheme was approved because the site was not located within the archaeological priority area. Moreover, the proposed site was not identified as open space within the Lewisham’s Parks and Open Space Strategy 2020-25 nor was it located in an area of open space deficiency for district parks or local, small and pocket parks. The Planning Officer also drew the Committee’s attention to the approved scheme to highlight that there were 5 parks within 1km of the site, not 14 as stated in the original report.

3.4   The Committee heard submissions by the applicant and noted the following:

·       That the applicant’s team engaged extensively both with the Council’s Planning Team during the pre-application process and with residents during consultation.

·       That the proposed site would be a car free development and the applicant would secure a unilateral undertaking preventing future occupants from accessing parking permits.

·       That overlooking into premises in Ravensbourne Park and Ravensbourne Park Crescent would be minimised using obscured windows in the proposed site and extensive planting.

·       That the proposed development would contribute to the Borough’s annual housing target by delivering 5 new dwellings. In addition to that, the proposal would introduce extensive landscaping, native species of plants and a pocket park including a wildlife conservation area.

·       That the applicant would adhere to the two additional conditions recommended by the Committee on 11 June 2024 regarding the following:

o   Upgrading of the gate for the side access to 68 Ravensbourne Park Crescent.

o   Installation of low- level lighting along the route adjacent to the southern boundary of the proposed site.

3.5 With the understanding that the information in the Addendum report did not materially affect the merit of the original planning application, Councillor Luke Warner moved the recommendation on the proposal, including the two conditions previously imposed, which was seconded by Councillor Liz Johnston-Franklin and voted upon. The Committee

RESOLVED

Unanimously

To GRANT planning permission for the construction of 5 two-storey dwellinghouses, together with cycle parking, refuse storage and associated landscaping on land on the east side of 68 Ravensbourne Park Crescent, SE6,

·     Subject to a unilateral undertaking and to the conditions and informatives as outlined in the report, with additional conditions as follows:

i. That the side access to No. 68’s rear garden would be paved and secured with a lockable gate.

ii. That steps would be taken to ensure high-quality lighting design and installation in order to prevent adverse impacts of light pollution which can have a detrimental impact on biodiversity and wildlife, local character, pedestrian environment, residential amenity and views of the night sky.