Agenda and minutes

To approve as an accurate record, and the Chair to sign, the minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 30 January 2019 and 12 February 2019.

The minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 30 January 2019 and 12 February 2019 were agreed as an accurate record.

Apologies for absence were provided by Councillor Alex Karmel.

If a Councillor has a disclosable pecuniary interest in a particular item, whether or not it is entered in the Authority’s register of interests, or any other significant interest which they consider should be declared in the public interest, they should declare the existence and, unless it is a sensitive interest as defined in the Member Code of Conduct, the nature of the interest at the commencement of the consideration of that item or as soon as it becomes apparent.

At meetings where members of the public are allowed to be in attendance and speak, any Councillor with a disclosable pecuniary interest or other significant interest may also make representations, give evidence or answer questions about the matter.  The Councillor must then withdraw immediately from the meeting before the matter is discussed and any vote taken.

Where Members of the public are not allowed to be in attendance and speak, then the Councillor with a disclosable pecuniary interest should withdraw from the meeting whilst the matter is under consideration. Councillors who have declared other significant interests should also withdraw from the meeting if they consider their continued participation in the matter would not be reasonable in the circumstances and may give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest.

Councillors are not obliged to withdraw from the meeting where a dispensation to that effect has been obtained from the Audit, Pensions and Standards Committee. 

There were no declarations of interest.

In view of members of the public present for particular applications the Chair proposed that the agenda be re-ordered, with which the Committee agreed, and the minutes reflect the order of the meeting.

Please see the Addendum attached to the minutes which made minor changes to the report.

The Committee heard one representation in support from the Applicant. A number of points were raised and included: Centre House was owned by Imperial College. The development sought to become the gateway to the new campus. The design had evolved over a number of years and a considerable amount of public consultation had been conducted. St James had undertaken additional sunlight and daylight tests to allay local residents’ concerns.

The proposal would provide 527 residential homes and a mix of private and affordable accommodation. This included 185 affordable homes which equated to 35% (by habitable rooms and homes). It was envisaged that the affordable units would provide affordable intermediate rent properties for employees/key workers of Imperial College.

The proposal incorporated the erection of two buildings with basement level, comprising 1 x part 11/ part 22 storey building and 1 x part 11/part 32 storey building with ancillary residential facilities, including flexible commercial, community and leisure floorspace. The design incorporated public realm, amenity space, landscaping, and other associated infrastructure works including creation of basement level access to the adjoining White City Living site and works to the site’s western boundary. The proposal would also create local employment opportunities.

During the course of discussions, the Committee explored a number of issues including eastern access to White City Station, piling, construction techniques and the effect this would have on Wood Lane residents. In addition, the Committee considered the height of the proposal and the daylight and sunlight implications, as well as  the views in and out of the area.

Further issues included the viability of the proposed commercial spaces, construction traffic, the design principles and nomination rights to the affordable properties. Finally, access to amenity space, disabled parking and the mix of residential properties was also considered. 

The Committee voted on application  2018/03508/FUL and whether to agree the officer recommendations of approval. This was put to the vote and the result was as follows:

Officer Recommendation 1:

For:

6

Against:

0

Not Voting:

1                          

Officer Recommendation 2:

For:

7

Against:

0

Not Voting:

0

            RESOLVED THAT:

Planning Application 2018/03508/FUL be approved, subject to:

1)    There being no contrary direction from the Mayor for London that the Committee resolve that the Strategic Director, Growth and Place be authorised to determine the application and grant permission upon the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and subject to the conditions listed in the report.

2)    To authorise the Director for Strategic Director, Growth and Place in consultation with the Director of Law and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee to make any minor modifications to the proposed conditions or heads of terms or any subsequent minor changes arising out of detailed negotiations with the applicant which may necessitate the modification, which may include the variation, addition or deletion of the conditions and heads of terms as drafted to ensure consistency between the two sets of provisions.

Please see the Addendum attached to the minutes which amended the report.

There were no representations. During the course of discussions, the Committee explored a number of issues including the net employment gain and the reduction in carbon emissions. Further issues included the consultation discussions with the Design Review Panel and the ease/viability of converting the building to a hotel rather than new office space.

The Committee voted on application  2018/02776/FUL and whether to agree the officer recommendations of approval, and the changes set out in the addendum. This was put to the vote and the result was as follows:

Officer Recommendation 1:

For:

7

Against:

0

Not Voting:

0

Officer Recommendation 2:

For:

7

Against:

0

Not Voting:

0

RESOLVED THAT:

Planning Application 2018/02776/FUL be approved, subject to:

1)    That the Strategic Director, Growth and Place be authorised to determine the application and grant permission up on the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and subject to the condition(s) listed below.

2)    To authorise the Strategic Director, Growth and Place, after consultation with the Director of Law and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee to make any minor changes to the proposed conditions or heads of terms of the legal agreement, any such changes shall be within their discretion.