The Planning Sub-Committee of Hackney Council met on Wednesday, 6th December 2017, to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for mixed-use developments at 440 Kingsland Road and a roof extension at 27B Belfast Road, and for five new terraced dwellinghouses at 13A Derby Road. An application for 9 Rear of 77 Glyn Road was withdrawn.

440 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AA

Planning permission was granted for a change of use to provide a mixed-use venue incorporating a drinking establishment (Use Class A4) and assembly and leisure (Use Class D2), along with a roof extension to create an additional storey. These applications were referred to the committee due to the number of objections received, primarily concerning the loss of the community venue Passing Clouds.

During the discussion, it was clarified that the committee's role was to assess the planning merits of the applications, not to determine the end user. Elena Wilson, founder of Passing Clouds, spoke in objection, highlighting the venue's international reputation, its status as an asset of community value, and the significant rent increase proposed by the developers. She requested a deferral to allow for further negotiations. Kevin Goodman, the agent for the scheme, stated that the proposals aimed to bring the vacant building back into use and meet community needs, generating jobs. He noted that lease arrangements could not be confirmed until planning permission was granted.

The committee discussed the weight given to assets of community value, with officers explaining that this designation applied to buildings, not operators, and held little planning weight. Concerns were raised about the proposed A4 use, with Ms. Wilson believing the property could operate as D2. Officers explained that the end user would not typically be named unless there were strong reasons, and any refusal must be based on planning grounds. The committee agreed that an operational management plan, detailing the mix of activities and ensuring the drinking establishment element did not become dominant, would be required for approval by the committee. Conditions were imposed regarding commencement within three years, adherence to approved plans, the submission and approval of a management and operational strategy, soundproofing, operating hours (until 1 am Sunday-Thursday and 3 am Friday-Saturday), and a servicing and delivery plan. Delegated authority was granted for minor alterations to conditions.

27B Belfast Road, London N16 6UN

Planning permission was granted for the erection of a part single-storey, part two-storey roof extension to provide co-working workspace (Use Class B1), including four roof terraces. This application was also referred due to significant public interest. An addendum to the report included further representation from the Hackney Society, which expressed concerns about the design of the second-storey element and its visibility.

Objectors Fiona Nicholls and Lou Boyd raised concerns about the proposed design conflicting with the area's heritage value, the impact on neighbouring residents' privacy, and the lack of specified operating times. They felt local residents' concerns had not been considered and that the scheme would not benefit the local area. Phillip Taylor, the agent, stated the scheme was policy compliant regarding daylight, sunlight, amenity, and privacy, and had undergone positive pre-application discussions. He highlighted that the development was within a priority employment area and would deliver high-quality workspace.

The committee discussed the roof terraces, with officers noting they were not essential for the proposed use and that conditions could be placed on their hours of use. It was explained that commercial uses typically did not have restricted operating hours. The committee requested that officers negotiate reasonable operating hours for the roof terraces and add a condition. Conditions were imposed regarding commencement within three years, adherence to approved plans, approval of external materials, external joinery, external pipework, roof plant, a Construction Logistics and Traffic Management Plan, waste and recycling storage, bicycle parking, a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS), a green roof, and adherence to ecological recommendations. Delegated authority was granted for minor alterations to conditions.

13A Derby Road, London E9 7JP

Permission was granted for the erection of five three-storey terraced dwellinghouses following the demolition of existing storage buildings. This application was referred due to the number of objections received. Ted Sumpster spoke in objection, citing concerns about overdevelopment within a conservation area, increased height, overshadowing, overlooking of neighbouring properties, and a generic modern design lacking architectural merit. He also noted the absence of affordable housing and requested a reduction in height.

Alun Hughes (Architect) and Nigel Dexter (Agent) spoke in support, stating the scheme was in keeping with the area, fully BRE compliant, and that there was no policy requirement for affordable housing due to the number of units. They highlighted the provision of much-needed family homes and the bringing of an underutilised site into use. Councillor Hercock expressed concern about overdevelopment and design, noting the Central and South Hackney Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) had suggested using London Stock brick. The Planning Officer responded that the development was at the upper range of density but considered capable of accommodating five dwellings, with precedent for similar mews-type developments. The Conservation and Urban Design Officer confirmed the modern mews typology and the CAAC's suggestion regarding brickwork. Conditions were imposed regarding commencement within three years, adherence to approved plans and the retention of a reinstated door, approval of external materials, detailed drawings for windows, doors, and entrance gates, a landscaping scheme, no extraneous pipework, contaminated land surveys and remediation, low emissions boilers, Sustainable Urban Drainage, a Construction Management and Logistics Plan, bird and bat boxes, cycle storage, refuse storage, and accessible homes. A legal agreement was also required to secure restrictions on parking permits, payment of highway works costs, commitment to a Considerate Code of Conduct, and monitoring fees. Delegated authority was granted for minor alterations to conditions.

9 Rear of 77 Glyn Road, London E5 0JB

This application was withdrawn from the agenda.

Delegated Decisions - 24/10/17 - 27/11/17

The report detailing decisions made under delegated powers between 24th October and 27th November 2017 was noted by the committee.