Three new bin stores at Flat Block 143 To 154 Felmongers, Harlow

What was proposed

Permission was sought for three fire-resistant bin stores with concrete bases at the flat block.

“Planning permission is sought for the formation of three new bin stores, including concrete bases and Metrostor designed fire resistant stores. Bin store 1 would be situated at the western side (rear) of the site, close to the junction/turning head of Felmongers road. Bin store 2 would be located midway along the frontage of 143-154 Felmongers road, serving the central properties.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a three-storey block of 12 flats on a corner facing a green in Felmongers.

“The application site is located within Felmongers, a residential apartment block, situated in Mark Hall. The application property is a three-storey block of 12 flats on a corner facing onto a green in Felmongers.”

“The site is not located within a conservation area, or within the setting of listed buildings.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site had no relevant planning history, although two earlier applications concerned windows, communal glazing and fire remedial works.

“App Number Proposal Status Decision Date HW/FUL/20/00564 Replacement of single glazed timber and plastic framed windows/balcony doors for uPVC framed double glazed units to match existing profiles. Replacement of two GTD 06.01.2021”

“HW/FUL/22/00346 External refurbishment and fire remedial works. Block entrance doors. Windows. Stairwell glazing. Refuse store doors. Communal floor vinyl replacement. Fascia and soffits. Flat roof to refuse store. AOV installation to pitched roof. Internal and external decorations.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the revised proposal was acceptable in design, amenity, tree, landscaping, parking and highway terms.

“The applicant has since revised the plans, relocating the western bin store onto existing hardstanding in response to the Tree Officers comments. The Tree Officer has confirmed no concerns with the revised plans. The revised positioning is considered acceptable. The avoidance of excavation and regrading within the root protection area of the established cherry tree is welcomed, and the proposal now accords with good arboricultural practice.”

“The proposal is not considered to result in unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the flat block or area and would not result in unacceptable impacts to neighbouring amenity or to parking. The proposal is therefore considered to be in compliance with the relevant policies within the HLDP and supplementary documents and is recommended for approval accordingly.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Two objections and one neutral comment raised concerns about greenery, fly-tipping, access, recycling arrangements and costs.

“Two objections and one neutral comment were received during the consultation period as follows:”

“The 3 large blue recycling bins are a magnet for fly tipping and (if you check your records) the space around them is constantly having to be cleaned up due to this. If these blue bins are replaced by a proper bin solution for a block, it should stop the fly tipping temptation and stop out green space from being impacted by bin storage.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A written representation was read aloud on behalf of an objector.

Members’ discussion

Members noted that one proposed store would obscure a manhole and that the feasibility study included provisional sums for raising its covers.

“It was noted that the proposed siting of Bin Store 2 will obscure an existing on-site manhole. To mitigate this, the applicant has addressed the structure's placement within the submitted feasibility study, which incorporates provisional cost sums for raising the manhole covers to maintain operational access.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to re-consultation and delegated authority.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED:”

“A Subject to the expiration of the re-consultation period on 13 July 2026, and to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Garden Town and/or the Development Manager to issue the decision notice, subject to the conditions listed in this report and that set out below, providing that no new material planning objections are received before the consultation deadline.”

Minutes

The final decision

Permission was granted with the reported conditions and an additional condition requiring safe measures for lifting the manhole.

“B And that delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and Garden Town to put together a suitably worded condition to ensure preventative measures are in place for safe uplifting of the manhole.”

Minutes