38 social rented homes at Sub Block 45 To 56, Regents Court Pownall Road

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing garages and building 38 homes with amenity space, cycle parking, landscaping, play space and public-realm improvements.

“PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing garages, construction of 38 new residential dwellings (Class C3) with associated amenity space, cycle parking, refuse stores, hard and soft landscaping, play space, improvements to public realm and other associated works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is part of Regents Court estate, beside the canal, with existing housing, open space, parking and garages around it.

“The application site measures approximately 0.3ha in size, is roughly rectangular shaped in layout and is located to the south of Pownall Road in Haggerston/London Fields. The site consists of a number of estate housing blocks, which together form the Regents Court housing estate.”

“Good sized rear gardens for all of the ground floor dwellings at 45-101 and 102-134 Regents Court also face this way, with many having garden gates that open directly onto the communal space. The site is not situated within a conservation area but is adjacent to the Regent's Canal - Central & South Hackney Canal Conservation Area. The canal also forms part of a designated green chain and green corridor throughout the borough.”

Officer report

Planning history

The report states that the site has no relevant previous planning applications.

“The site does not contain any relevant previous planning applications.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended conditional permission because the benefits of 38 social rented homes outweighed harm to some residents, open space and parking.

“On balance, the benefits of the proposal are substantial. This includes the provision of 38 affordable housing units, all of which are of social rented tenure and provide a good standard of accommodation. Moreover, the development is considered highly sustainable. It is accepted that the proposal will impact the amenity of some existing residents, and that the development will result in a net loss of existing open space.”

“That planning permission be GRANTED, subject the following conditions 1. Commencement Within Three Years The development hereby permitted must be begun not later than three years after the date of this permission. REASON: In order to comply with the provisions of Section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended. 2.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers opposed the application, while a council development manager, planner and architect spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the need for social homes against effects on existing residents, including green-space loss, daylight, sunlight, privacy and antisocial behaviour.

“During the course of a discussion a number of points were raised including the following: • Members expressed concern about balancing the need for social homes against the negative impacts on existing residents, particularly the loss of green space.”

Minutes

The vote

Three members voted for the application and two against; nobody abstained.

“Vote For: Cllr Michael Desmond, Cllr Ali Sadek and Cllr Jessica Webb (Chair). Against: Cllr Sheila Suso-Runge and Cllr Penny Wrout. Abstained: None.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant conditional planning permission subject to completion of a legal agreement.

“To grant conditional planning permission subject to completion of a legal agreement.”

Minutes