The Wandsworth Council Planning Applications Committee met on Wednesday 12 November 2014, with all members present. The committee confirmed the minutes from the previous meeting, received no declarations of interest, and noted late representations. The main focus of the meeting was the consideration of several development applications, with significant discussion and decisions made regarding the New Covent Garden Market redevelopment and the Abellio Bus Depot.

New Covent Garden Market Redevelopment

The committee extensively debated the application for the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market in Nine Elms Lane (2014/2810). Planning permission was ultimately granted by a vote of 6 to 4, subject to several amendments and additional conditions.

During the discussion, planning officers presented a summary of the application, which included proposals for tall buildings, affordable housing, and a new market layout. A significant number of objections had been received concerning the height and scale of some buildings, affordable housing provisions, and the location of a van wash and consolidation area. Concerns were also raised about inadequate flats on Thessaly Road lacking windows.

Officers addressed these concerns, noting that discussions with the Greater London Authority (GLA) had led to amendments regarding the tall buildings, which now met the Council's Policy DMS4 criteria. While some members welcomed the development for its potential to address housing needs and its improved design compared to previous consents, others expressed reservations about the suitability of the tall buildings for local residents, suggesting units might be bought by foreign investors and remain empty.

Specific issues discussed included:

• Single Aspect Flats: The proposal included more single aspect, north-facing flats than the Council would typically accept. However, officers deemed this acceptable due to the high quality of the proposed accommodation and the design of the towers, which would allow for views to the south and east.
• Loading Bays: Concerns were raised about the reduced number of loading bays for market use. A trial period for three loading bays was agreed upon, with a condition requiring a revised loading bay strategy if this proves insufficient.
• Market Floor Space: The reduction in floor space, particularly for the flower market, was explained by factors such as under-occupation, relocation of peripheral businesses, and the non-provision of mezzanine levels in the new scheme.
• Affordable Housing: The committee expressed satisfaction with the provision of 20% affordable housing (600 units). However, there were concerns that affordable units on Thessaly Road might not meet the same standards due to site constraints. Officers reassured the committee that the applicant had committed to building these units to the same standards.
• Noise Management: A noise management plan was agreed upon as a condition to mitigate potential noise from the van wash and consolidation area. The Council's Environmental Services were satisfied with the noise assessment, believing the impact would be negligible.
• CIL Funding: The committee was informed that approximately 15% of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money would be spent in the Queenstown ward, with expenditure guided by Council policies on education, health, and transport infrastructure.

Councillor Tony Belton voiced his continued dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the height of the buildings and the scale of the development, suggesting separate applications for different elements of the proposal. Councillor Maurice Heaster, however, felt the current application was not significantly different from the previously consented scheme and that the tall buildings were not sufficient grounds for refusal.

The granted permission includes a condition for a trial of the layout and quantum of loading bays for the Flower Market (Condition 91) and a Noise Management Plan (Condition 92). An informative was also added regarding consultation with Lambeth Council on the Noise Management Plan.

Abellio Bus Depot, Silverthorne Road

Planning permission was granted for the application relating to Abellio Bus Depot, Silverthorne Road (2014/4857), subject to amendments and an additional condition.

67-85 Aslett Street

Permission was granted for the application at 67-85 Aslett Street (2014/3872), with conditions as set out in the report. An informative was added, noting that members expressed the view that improvements to sound insulation for flats below should be explored as part of the refurbishment and extension.

Land adjacent to 33 Vandyke Close

Planning permission was granted for the application at Land adjacent to 33 Vandyke Close (2014/4531), subject to conditions and an amendment to Condition 14.

52 Beeches Road

The recommendations set out in the report for the application at 52 Beeches Road (2014/4085) were adopted by 9 votes to 1.

Enforcement

Regarding enforcement, the committee adopted the recommendations for the application relating to Footpath, Battersea Reach (2013/0320/ENF), with an amendment and the inclusion of a 90-day compliance period for the notice.

The committee also received reports on decisions made under delegated authority and the closure of investigation files as information.