Play and retail space at Gillett Square Car Park, London N16

What was proposed

Existing retail containers would be moved around the car park, with landscaping creating a multi-use play and retail area.

“PROPOSAL: Relocation of existing retail container units to the edges of the existing car park on the northern part of square, with hard and soft landscaping to facilitate the change of use from a car park (Sui Generis Use Class) to a multi-use play and retail space (Sui Generis) as an extension to the square.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is the northern car park within Gillett Square, a protected open space near shops, businesses, homes, a jazz club and transport links.

“The application site is the car park in the northern part of Gillett Square, an area of open space situated within Dalston. To the south, 3-10 Bradbury Street comprises ground floor retail and restaurant uses that front onto Bradbury Street, and offices at upper levels let out by Hackney Co-operative Developments as affordable…”

“Gillett Square is a predominantly hard landscaped public square immediately to the north of Bradbury Street, and is identified as a protected open space under the Hackney Local Plan. The centre of the square, adjacent to the car park to the south, contains a number of retail pods that include retail and food and drink uses.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier permissions created the public square, provided storage containers, and allowed market pods and related works at 3–10 Bradbury Street.

“2009/2513 Installation of a container for storage of play equipment for the square. Granted 18-12-2009”

“2018/0792 - Construction of roof extension, three storey rear extension and mezzanine to provide additional workspace (B1) floor space, formation of roof terrace, various refurbishment works to building, temporary reprovision of the existing 'market pod ' units (A1) within Gillett Square, permanent re-provision of existing 'market pod' units (A1) within the rear ground floor of 3-10 Bradbury Street, extension to existing bin store and other associated works.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered land use, design, residential amenity, transport, sustainability, biodiversity, contamination, contributions and equality matters.

“Principle of the development of the site, land uses and amount of development 6.2 Design of the proposed development…”

“Impact on Nearby Residential Amenity 6.4 Transport and Servicing 6.5 Energy and Sustainability 6.6 Trees and Biodiversity 6.7 Other planning matters 6.8 Planning contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) 6.9 Equalities Considerations…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation group supported the proposal in principle, while archaeology and security consultees raised no objection, subject to security conditions.

“Dalston Conservation Area Advisory Group (CAAC):”

“No objection. The proposal is unlikely to have a significant effect on heritage assets of archaeological interest. The planning application lies in an area of archaeological interest (Archaeological Priority Area) identified in the Local Plan: [78267] Area: Roman Road Ermine Street (Kingsland Road) but the proposed groundworks are minimal and are unlikely to impact upon significant archaeological remains. No further assessment or conditions are therefore necessary.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No one registered to object, and a supporter spoke in favour of the proposal.

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions.

“To grant planning permission, subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

Conditions cover commencement, approved plans, landscaping, drainage, contamination, security, lighting, cycle parking and construction management.

“– Public Realm Lighting Strategy/ External Lighting Prior to the commencement of the relevant works, a public realm lighting strategy is to be submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority. No external lighting related to the development hereby permitted shall be installed unless it is in full accordance with details which have been previously submitted to, and approved in writing by, the local planning authority.”

“- Demolition and Construction Management Plan No development shall take place until a detailed Demolition and Construction Management Plan covering the matters set out below has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Officer report