The Strategic Development Committee convened to discuss two planning applications, one concerning the redevelopment of Kedge House, Starboard Way and Winch House, and the other focusing on land at Fleet Street Hill. Both applications were approved, subject to conditions and planning obligations.

Kedge House, Starboard Way and Winch House Redevelopment

The committee approved the application for the demolition of existing buildings at Kedge House, Starboard Way, and Winch House on Tiller Road, and the construction of residential dwellings, community/commercial floor space, public realm works, landscaping, access, servicing, and parking. The development will provide 400 homes, with 40% designated as affordable housing.

Key points of discussion included:

• Affordable Housing: The development aims to provide 40% affordable housing across the total proposed homes, inclusive of re-provided homes. Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, enquired about the possibility of increasing the number of social rent properties beyond the re-provision of existing ones. Officers clarified that the viability assessment concluded that the 40% figure represented the maximum viable amount.
• Infrastructure: Concerns were raised about the impact of the development on local infrastructure, such as schools and GP services. Officers explained that these issues are typically addressed through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
• Parking: Councillors expressed concerns about existing parking pressures in the area and the impact of additional residents. The development is car-free for new residents, except for blue badge holders, and 11 spaces for returning residents.
• Community Space: Councillor Ahmodur Khan asked about who would control the community space and whether residents would have to pay to use it. Officers advised that the applicant had been engaging with charitable organisations and community groups to potentially manage the space on a rent-free basis, with equitable access for residents ensured through a management plan.
• Play Space: Several councillors voiced concerns about the under-provision of play space, particularly for older children. While the development will provide all of the required space for 0-5 year olds, there is a shortfall for 5-11 year olds, and no dedicated space for those aged 12 and over. To mitigate this, a financial contribution will be made towards improvements at the nearby Sir John McDougall Gardens. Councillor Amy Lee expressed disappointment at the lack of play space, but acknowledged the financial contributions being made to a nearby park.

The committee voted eight in favour of the officer recommendation to grant planning permission, with one abstention.

Land at Fleet Street Hill, Shoreditch

The committee also approved a planning application for the comprehensive redevelopment of land at Fleet Street Hill in Shoreditch. The proposal includes two buildings and a pavilion building, delivering purpose-built shared living accommodation, affordable housing units, associated communal amenity space, a flexible commercial space, and public realm improvements.

Key discussion points included:

• Allen Gardens Contribution: Councillor Jahed Choudhury asked how soon the improvements to Allen Gardens could be expected. Officers clarified that the contributions would be triggered upon implementation of the planning permission and that the council's parks team had proposals for the park's improvement.
• Materials: Councillor Amy Lee questioned the rationale behind using different materials for the buildings, seeking reassurance that there was no disparity in quality between the private and social housing. Officers confirmed that both material palettes were of high quality and that the difference in colour helped break up the mass of the development.
• Co-living: Concerns were raised about the co-living aspect of the development. Councillor Kabir Hussain asked if people on the council's waiting list could bid for the co-living accommodation. Officers clarified that the co-living aspect was market housing, while the 25 social rented homes would be allocated from the waiting list.
• Sustainability: Councillor Mufeedah Bustin asked if there was no provision for play space on site. Officers clarified that there was dedicated play space on site for 5 to 11 year olds, but there was no play space on site for 11 plus, and a financial contribution would be made to John Mcdougall Gardens.

The committee unanimously voted in favour of granting planning permission for the redevelopment of Fleet Street Hill.

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