The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council was scheduled to discuss applications for planning permission concerning The Verve Apartments in Romford. The meeting's agenda focused on proposed variations to existing planning conditions related to parking, refuse, and recycling facilities at the Mercury Gardens development.

Applications for Decision

The committee was scheduled to consider two applications for decision, both relating to The Verve Apartments located at Mercury Gardens, Romford.

P0903.25 - The Verve Apartments, Mercury Gardens, Romford

This application sought a variation of conditions 2 (parking) and 3 (refuse and recycling facilities) of a previous planning application (J0026.15) for the conversion of the former office building, Hexagon House, into 115 residential flats. The proposed changes aimed to allow for a reduction in the number of required parking spaces and an alteration to the refuse and recycling facilities. The report indicated that the site has a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 6b, signifying a highly sustainable location. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions regarding the provision and retention of parking, cycle storage, and waste and recycling facilities.

The report highlighted that the proposed reduction in parking spaces aligns with national, London Plan, and Local Plan policies that encourage reduced reliance on private cars in sustainable areas to improve air quality. It noted that the proposed number of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces would comply with London and Local Plan standards, and the general number of car parking spaces would exceed these standards. The report also suggested that the reduction in parking would not lead to overspill onto adjacent highways or create hazards to highway safety.

P0904.25 - The Verve Apartments, Mercury Gardens, Romford

This application was a concurrent consideration, seeking a variation of conditions 1 (cycle space, refuse and recycling facilities) and 2 (car parking spaces) of planning permission P1591.20. This permission related to a two-storey roof extension that added 22 flats to the building. Similar to the other application, this sought to reduce the number of car parking spaces. The report indicated that the total number of car parking spaces across the development would be 45, with 18 spaces on the land to the south of the block (including 5 disabled spaces) and 27 within the courtyard.

A key aspect of this application was the proposed financial contribution in lieu of on-site affordable housing provision. The report detailed a requirement for a financial contribution of £264,000, subject to indexation, to be secured through a variation of a Section 106 agreement. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to the prior completion of this legal agreement and the imposition of conditions relating to parking, cycle storage, and waste and recycling facilities. The report also noted that the development would be liable for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges.

The report detailed that the site's high PTAL rating supported the reduction in parking, aligning with policies promoting sustainable transport. It also addressed concerns raised by local residents regarding the loss of parking, the condition of the existing car park, and waste management issues. The report stated that the proposed changes would improve waste and recycling storage capacity and that the 146 cycle storage spaces would comply with London Plan standards.

The committee was scheduled to consider the minutes of the previous Strategic Planning Committee meeting.