The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed several planning applications, with a particular focus on new residential developments and alterations to existing properties within conservation areas. The committee expressed concerns about the design, scale, and impact on heritage assets for most applications, leading to objections or requests for further information. Decisions on previous applications were also noted, including appeals lodged against refusals.

Land Adjacent to Creative House, 124b Prince of Wales Drive, SW8 4BJ

The committee commented on the application for four four-storey townhouses on land previously used as a car park. While acknowledging the quality of the proposed housing and the attempt to integrate with the area, members felt the design, particularly the steep pitched roof, did not fully align with the character of the surrounding properties. Concerns were also raised about the height of the development. No car parking spaces are to be provided, with secure cycle storage offered instead. The Highways Team had been consulted on the entrance proposals. The committee agreed to comment on the application without outright support or objection, noting concerns about the height and roof pitch.

Land to Rear of 2 Altenburg Gardens, SW11 1JJ

This application proposed the change of use of workshop and office buildings to residential units, including part demolition and alterations. The committee commented on the application, noting the historical significance of the site, which was once part of a villa and associated with Adam Worth, the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes's Moriarty. Members requested that the developer consider acknowledging this historical connection through the naming of the building or signage. Objections from residents regarding overlooking and the intrusive appearance of the new development were discussed. However, the committee found it difficult to assess the full impact from the provided drawings and requested more accurate and interpretable plans. A balance was noted between the potential noise pollution from the current industrial use and the impact of a new residential development on sunlight to existing properties.

215 Franciscan Road, SW17 8HJ

The committee objected to the proposed alterations, including the demolition of garages, erection of a single-storey rear extension, a dormer roof side extension, and a new circular window. Concerns were raised about the visibility and character of the circular window, which was not typical of the area. The committee found the provided designs difficult to understand and considered the rooflights inappropriate and highly visible, not in keeping with the character of the conservation area. While the removal of garages was seen as beneficial, the committee felt the downsides of the proposals outweighed this advantage.

Flat C, 25 Prince of Wales Drive, SW11 4SD

The committee strongly objected to the proposed alterations, which included replacing a hipped roof with a roof extension to create an additional floor of accommodation, forming a front roof terrace, and extending the rear addition with a roof terrace. Officers confirmed that chimney stacks would be removed. Members expressed strong opposition, deeming the loss of the hipped roof and chimneys harmful to the conservation area. The development was considered inappropriate, resulting in a loss of symmetry with the adjoining house and being intrusive from the courtyard of opposite buildings. The application was deemed contrary to conservation area guidance and the council's Local Plan, causing harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area. Reservations were also expressed about the proposed rear roof terrace.

Decisions on Previous Applications

The committee noted the decisions on previous applications. Both the application for Garages West of 61 to 67, The Limes, and Land adjoining 99 Derinton Road were under appeal. The Chair expressed confusion regarding the refusal reason for the 99 Derinton Road application, which cited the loss of garden land, as he understood national policy permitted development on gardens up to 50% of their available land. The application for Land at Lennox Estate was withdrawn.

Other Business

Dr Michael Jubb, Chair of the committee, raised concerns about upcoming changes to the Planning Scheme of Delegation, stemming from new national policy. He expressed significant concern about the potential impact on the committee's ability to scrutinise and input on applications before decisions were made, noting an anticipated increase in officer-delegated decisions. A request was made for an update report on how the council would proceed under the new national scheme of delegation to be provided at the next meeting.