The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council was scheduled to discuss a planning application for a property in Chadwell Heath and receive an update on the progress of the Local Plan. The meeting's agenda also included the confirmation of previous minutes and any other urgent public items.

Planning Application at 1 Hainault Gore, Chadwell Heath

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for 1 Hainault Gore, Chadwell Heath, Romford, RM6 6RR. The proposal involves the sub-division of the existing dwellinghouse into multiple flats, the construction of a two-storey side extension to create further flats, a part first-floor rear extension, and the change of use of an ancillary garage to a dwellinghouse. The application also includes plans for boundary fences, landscaping, and storage for cycles, refuse, and recycling.

The report pack detailed the site's situation, noting it is a semi-detached Victorian villa style home dating back to around 1890 and is an undesignated heritage asset. The surrounding area is residential, with the adjoining property at No. 3 Hainault Gore already converted into five residential units. The report assessed the principle of the development, considering national and local policies on increasing housing supply and supporting development on small sites. It highlighted that the proposal would result in a net increase of four housing units, contributing to the borough's housing targets.

The quality of accommodation for the proposed flats was assessed against the National Described Space Standard (NDSS) and London Plan policies. All proposed units were found to comply with internal space standards, and the design was considered to allow for adequate daylight, sunlight, and passive ventilation. The report also detailed the provision of private external amenity space for each flat, which was found to comply with borough policies.

Regarding design and quality of materials, the report noted that the proposed extensions were designed to reflect the character of the existing semi-detached pair, incorporating similar design features and materials. A condition was recommended to ensure that the materials used for the side extension match those of the original dwellinghouse. The conversion of the garage was also assessed, with the external alterations being minimal.

The impact on neighbouring amenity was a key consideration, with objections received from several residents on Hainault Gore. Concerns raised included parking, road quality, congestion, loss of privacy, daylight, overshadowing, overbearing impact, noise, and disturbance. The report addressed these concerns, concluding that the proposed development would not result in a harmful loss of amenity to neighbouring properties.

Sustainable transport was also reviewed, with the site having a Public Transport Access Level (PTAL) of 2. The report detailed the proposed car parking provision, which was amended following concerns from transport officers and neighbours, now proposing four off-street parking spaces. The provision for cycle parking was deemed acceptable and compliant with London Cycling Design Standards. Waste and recycling storage arrangements were also assessed and found to be acceptable.

The report also covered landscape and biodiversity, noting that the development is exempt from mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) as the application was validated before the requirement came into effect. An informative regarding air quality was included, reminding the developer to be air quality neutral during construction.

Progress Report on the Local Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Barking and Dagenham 2037 Local Plan. The report indicated that the Inspectors' Report had been received on 15 August 2024, concluding the examination process. The Inspectors found the policies to be 'sound' subject to the inclusion of 'Main Modifications'. The report stated that the Local Plan, as amended, was to be presented to Cabinet and Assembly for adoption, after which it would form part of the Development Plan and gain full weight in planning application decision-making.

Previous Minutes

The committee was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 July 2024.