The Planning Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to discuss a proposed extension to the Woodford Liberal Synagogue in South Woodford. The meeting's agenda also included the review of draft minutes from a previous meeting.

Woodford Liberal Synagogue Extension

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for alterations and extensions to the Woodford Liberal Synagogue¹ at Marlborough Road, South Woodford, London, E18 1AR. The proposed works included a single-storey front extension, a two-storey front extension, a two-storey rear infill extension with a balcony, alterations to the roof to create a new stairwell and a roof terrace with railings, and the installation of solar panels. The report pack indicated that the application was in accordance with the Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework², and that the enhancements to the community facility would outweigh any negative impacts.

The report detailed that the synagogue had merged with the Beit Tikvah Synagogue in 2017, leading to an increase in attendees. The proposed extensions were intended to modernise the building, improve disability access, enhance security, and create a more efficient internal layout. The application was considered to have an acceptable impact on neighbouring amenity, with proposed conditions to manage noise and overlooking. Concerns regarding parking were addressed, with the Highways Officer raising no objection subject to a condition restricting the synagogue's capacity to 115 attendees. The report also noted that the site was exempt from the Biodiversity Net Gain³ requirement.

The report recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to a series of conditions. These included a time limit for commencement, adherence to approved plans, submission of a Construction Management and Logistics Plan, an Arboricultural Method Statement to protect a nearby tree, and details of solar panel and material specifications prior to commencement. Prior to occupation, conditions related to bicycle parking, a Noise Management Plan, noise from plant and equipment, and the synagogue's capacity were to be met. Compliance conditions included restrictions on the use of external spaces and the number of individuals permitted in the synagogue at any one time.