The Planning Sub-Committee of Hackney Council met on Wednesday, 10 March 2010, to discuss and decide on a number of planning applications. Key decisions included the granting of planning permission for developments at 117 Wilton Way, Former Rendlesham House, Former Ottoway Court, 17 Manor Road, 84 Northwold Road, 195-205 Richmond Road, and The Lansdowne Club, with various conditions and Section 106 agreements attached. The committee also refused planning permission for the development at The Skinners' Company's School for Girls and approved a variation to a Section 106 agreement for Blocks 5 and 10 Lathams Yard.

117 Wilton Way, London, E8 1BH

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing building and the erection of a part-three, part-seven storey building at 117 Wilton Way, London, E8 1BH. The development will include flexible space for community activities associated with the Hackney Empire theatre, a café, and twenty-five residential units. Objections were raised regarding the potential loss of an ancient wall, the design's compatibility with the surrounding area, and the impact on sunlight and daylight to neighbouring properties. Supporters highlighted that the plans had been revised following consultation with the Hackney Design and Review Panel, and that the development was crucial for the financial sustainability of the Hackney Empire. A condition was agreed to retain part of the historic wall. The decision was made with five councillors voting in favour and two against.

Former Rendlesham House, Rendlesham Road, London, E5

Planning permission was unanimously granted for a residential development at Former Rendlesham House, Rendlesham Road, London, E5. The development will comprise buildings ranging from two to seven storeys, providing 43 affordable housing units, with associated landscaping, play space, and car parking. Concerns were raised about the amount of white render and blank walls, which could be susceptible to graffiti. The committee agreed that design conditions would be delegated to the Planning Officer in consultation with the Chair, and that streetlamps should be located on the building.

Former Ottoway Court, Rendlesham Road, London, E5

Unanimous planning permission was granted for a residential development at Former Ottoway Court, Rendlesham Road, London, E5. The development will consist of buildings ranging from three to five storeys, providing 30 affordable housing units, with associated landscaping, play space, and car parking. The committee agreed that design conditions would be delegated to the Planning Officer in consultation with the Chair, and that streetlamps should be located on the building.

9 Bridport House, Bridport Place, London, N1 5DG

Permission was unanimously granted for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a part 8-storey and part 5-storey building at Bridport House, Bridport Place, London, N1 5DG. The development will provide 41 residential units, with ancillary landscaping, disabled parking, cycle storage, and refuse storage. The proposal had been amended from two buildings to a single building, with corresponding changes to the external appearance, internal layout, and site layout. Concerns were raised about the quality of materials and the zero-carbon structure, with an agreement that any significant changes to materials or design would be brought back to the committee for approval.

The Skinners' Company's School for Girls, 117 Stamford Hill, London, N16 5RS

Planning permission was refused for the conversion of the school building and erection of new buildings to provide residential units. The refusal was based on the loss of an educational facility, inadequate affordable housing provision, and the inappropriate location for housing due to its proximity to a busy junction. Objectors highlighted the need for schools in the borough and community support for retaining the site as an educational facility. Supporters argued that the existing building was overcrowded and that a new academy would provide significantly improved teaching space and address health and safety concerns. The decision was made with five councillors voting in favour of refusal and four in favour of granting permission.

268 Green Lanes, London, N4

Planning permission was unanimously granted for the erection of one 3-storey and one 5-storey building at 268 Green Lanes, London, N4. The development will provide 27 affordable housing units for social rent, with associated landscaping, disabled car parking, and secure cycle parking. Objections were raised regarding the proposed materials, security, and lack of landscaping. Supporters highlighted revisions made to the plans following consultation, including changes to amenity areas to reduce overlooking and the addition of brickwork at ground floor level.

17 Manor Road, London, N16 5BQ

Permission was unanimously granted for the erection of a part three-storey, part four-storey building at 17 Manor Road, London, N16 5BQ. The development will provide a primary school for 300 children, including excavation for light wells and parking facilities. The application had been revised to reduce the basement area. Objections were raised regarding the scheme's contravention of conservation area guidance, its detrimental impact on the enjoyment of the park, and issues with Thames Water. Supporters confirmed that Thames Water had approved the resubmitted plans and that the principle of the scheme had been previously approved.

84 Northwold Road, London, N16

Permission was granted for the construction of four individual blocks of varying heights at 84 Northwold Road, London, N16. The development will provide sixty-two residential units, including Housing Care and Support (HCS) units, with balconies, roof terraces, car parking, and associated access and landscaping. Objections focused on the overdevelopment of the site, lack of car parking, the proposed materials, and potential noise nuisance and vermin issues. Supporters highlighted the provision of much-needed affordable housing and changes made to the plans, including the relocation of refuse bins and cycle stores. The decision was made with four councillors voting in favour and three against.

195 - 205 Richmond Road, London, E8 3NJ

Planning permission was unanimously granted for the erection of a basement and part 5, part 6 storey building behind a retained façade at 195 - 205 Richmond Road, London, E8 3NJ. The development will comprise 97 residential units, business floorspace, and flexible retail/café/restaurant space, along with associated enabling works, parking, and landscaping. The application primarily dealt with an extension to previously approved commercial and residential space. The applicant confirmed that a green roof would be provided on the new part of the development, and it was agreed that concierge facilities would be reflected in the Section 106 agreement.

The Lansdowne Club, 195 Mare Street, London, E8 3QE

Planning permission was unanimously granted for a Section 73 application to vary condition 2 of a previous planning application at The Lansdowne Club, 195 Mare Street, London, E8 3QE. The variation allows for the use of render, which is considered more sustainable and of better quality than previously proposed, to facilitate funding for the refurbishment of the listed building. Concerns were raised by the Hackney Society about the use of inferior materials adjacent to a listed building. The planning officer confirmed that samples of the materials would be requested for approval.

Blocks 5 and 10 Lathams Yard, Mount Pleasant Hill, London, E5 9NF

The Section 106 agreement for the construction of Blocks 5 and 10 Lathams Yard was unanimously varied. The variation relates to planning application 2009/0238, which proposed the construction of these blocks in place of previously approved live-work units. Block 5 will comprise light industrial and office space and ten residential units, while Block 10 will consist of eleven residential units.

Other Matters

The minutes of the previous meetings held on 21 January 2010 and 3 February 2010 were approved. Councillor Webb declared a personal interest in Item 6 (117 Wilton Way) as a member of 'Friends of Hackney Empire'. Councillor Stops declared a personal, prejudicial interest in Item 6 (117 Wilton Way) as the application was within his ward and he had written a letter to the Hackney Gazette regarding it. Councillor Sharer declared a personal, prejudicial interest in Item 12 (17 Manor Road) as he had previously discussed the application with officers. Councillor Smith declared a personal, prejudicial interest in Item 12 (17 Manor Road) as she was a trustee of Abney Park Cemetery. Councillor Stops declared a personal, prejudicial interest in Item 14 (Somerford Grove Practice) as his partner, a councillor in Stoke Newington Central ward, was involved in the application. Councillor Buitekant declared a personal, prejudicial interest in Item 17 (Blocks 5 and 10 Lathams Yard) as the site was adjacent to his residence.