The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 11 September 2023, where they approved a retrospective planning application for a car wash in Chadwell Heath, and agreed to variations in Section 106 legal agreements for two housing developments in Gascoigne East and Woodward Road.

David James Motor Company, 154 High Road, Chadwell Heath, Romford

The committee granted retrospective planning permission for a change of use from car sales to a hand car wash at 154 High Road, Chadwell Heath. This decision followed an enforcement notice issued in October 2021 for the unauthorised use, which was unsuccessfully appealed. The committee agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Inclusive Growth to grant planning permission subject to amended conditions. These conditions include a reduced time limit for commencement of development to three months, operating hours restricted to 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and the installation of protective screening to prevent water splashing onto the pavement.

The application had faced objections from local residents and ward councillors, citing concerns about noise, disturbance, traffic congestion, and potential safety hazards. Councillor Andrew Achilles, representing Whalebone Ward, voiced these concerns, highlighting the applicant's previous disregard for planning policy and enforcement action. However, officers noted that while these were valid concerns, they were not all considered material planning considerations for the retrospective application.

The applicant, Richard Woods, stated his long-standing ownership of the premises and his intention to work with residents to address concerns. He expressed a belief that the car wash use was not contrary to the original planning consent, despite the dismissed appeal.

The committee's decision to approve the application was made after considering the proposed mitigation measures, including noise assessments, site management plans, and drainage reports. The amended conditions aim to address the issues raised by objectors and ensure the operation of the car wash is managed effectively.

Gascoigne East Phase 3A

The committee approved a variation to the Section 106 legal agreement for Gascoigne East Phase 3A, which will see 102 private residential units replaced with Discount Market Rent (DMR) units. This change will result in the entire Phase 3A development comprising 100% affordable housing.

Kathryn McAllister from the Be First Development Management Team explained that this amendment to the legal agreement, rather than a new planning permission, aims to increase the provision of affordable housing. Discount Market Rent units are defined as being 80% of the open market rent, offering longer leases and not requiring large upfront deposits, thus being considered an affordable tenure.

The variation will amend Schedule 4 of the existing Deed of Variation to replace all private rent units with DMR units. This change aligns with the council's objective of increasing affordable housing provision and is considered to be in accordance with London Plan policies and the Draft Local Plan. The committee resolved to delegate authority to the Director of Inclusive Growth to approve the changes, subject to the completion of a new Deed of Variation.

Woodward Road Development Site

The committee approved a variation to Condition 2 of the planning consent for the development site at the junction of Stamford Road and Woodward Road, Dagenham. This variation will change 15 of the 16 London Affordable Rent (LAR) units to Discount Market Rent (DMR) units.

Catherine McAllister presented the application, explaining that this change is proposed to ensure the continued deliverability of the scheme. While acknowledging that this represents a loss of genuinely affordable housing in the form of LAR units, officers stated that the proposed DMR units would still be considered affordable, given the socio-economic climate of the borough. The scheme will remain 100% affordable housing, with one LAR unit remaining and 55 DMR units replacing the previously approved 40 Affordable Rent and 16 LAR units.

Councillor Cameron Geddes expressed regret over the loss of LAR properties, noting their importance for housing waiting lists, but supported the proposal due to the viability challenges outlined in the report. The committee resolved to delegate authority to the Director of Inclusive Growth to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a deed of variation. This deed will reflect the changes in tenure mix and include a late-stage review mechanism for affordable housing.