Agenda item

Officers drew Members attention to the proposal to demolish the existing two storey building and replace it with residential development ranging in height from 2 to 12 storeys.

It was noted that the proposal was for 75 residential units and not 500 as detailed in the Committee papers.

Julia Riddle, Planning Consultant for the scheme gave a presentation, supported by the schemes architect:

·         The progress in meetings with the Council prior to this pre-application meeting;

·         The purpose of this presentation concentrated on the principle of the development and issues around bulk and massing;

·         Details of the existing site and use;

·         It was proposed that the ground floor of the new development would accommodate commercial use, with residential use above;

·         Highlighted the current site plan;

·         Spoke about the Colindale Area Action Plan and explained that it supported delivery of new homes in the vicinity;

·         Detailed comparisons between the existing site and the proposed scheme;

·         Explained that there were up to 71 units proposed and talked about impact on Neighbours;

·         The proposal was for up to 12 storeys in height, scaling down to 2 storeys;

·         This was a high scale amenity for new and existing residents with a view to enhancing amenity spaces;

·         TFL were comfortable with Edgware Road frontage;

·         Massing images were detailed;

·         It was explained that the outlook from existing residential units was 24.5 metres;

·         Proposals for access were detailed and it was noted that there would be ‘one to one’ parking provision;

·         The next steps would be to look at feedback from this meeting and engage in public consultation.

The Chairman thanked the scheme’s representatives for the presentation and invited Members questions:

1.    What was the nearest point of impact for existing properties?

10.5 metres currently, 16 metres under the new proposals.

2.    What would be the implications for ‘shadowing’ under the new proposals?

There would not be much difference between the existing site and proposed scheme. There would be benefits to neighbouring properties for most of the year but a 20% reduction at certain times of the year.

3.    There seems to be a significant amount of enclosure (not just in relation to light) – has this been assessed?

Yes – against the building that has received planning permission. It has been designed to have minimal impact.

4.    Is the nearest point of impact for existing properties 16 metres as stated in 1) above or still 10.5 metres?

It was confirmed that whilst the existing 10.5 metre separation distance would be retained, the height of the development adjacent to the boundary would reduce from 2 storeys to 1 storey.

5.    Would the windows of existing residents face the new site?

No, they would not.

6.    Would the aim be to secure 40% affordable housing?

Yes – this would be the starting point in the viability test.

7.    Would residents on site have rear access into Greenway?

No – access would be from the front.

8.    What was the height of Imperial House?

14 storeys. It was clarified that the scheme would have 12 storey height adjacent to Imperial House.

9.    Would there be a steeper view for properties looking up to Portland House?

Yes – but it is marginal.

The Chairman thanked the representatives for attending the meeting.