Community learning facility at 9 Brampton Road, Bexleyheath

What was proposed

The application sought to change an educational building into a flexible community and learning facility with worship, training, workspace and café uses.

“The proposal seeks permission for the change of use of the building from educational building (Class E) to mixed-use community and learning facility incorporating Class F1 (Learning and Non-Residential Institutions) and Class F2 (Local Community Use) with ancillary Class E workspace/cafe facilities.”

“Whilst the proposed floor plans and description of the room use within the Design and Access Statement have provided an indication of proposed room uses, this is only indicative and it is intended that the rooms and spaces available within the building will be able to be used flexibly and can be interchangeable as needs require.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains an existing mostly two-storey building, parking and a rear waste area, beside homes, community facilities and an urban open space access road.

“The application site is situated to the western side of Brampton Road and features an existing largely two storey building (with single storey elements) accessed from Brampton Road. The site’s frontage features a mix of soft landscaping with off street parking whilst additional vehicle parking and a waste storage area is located to its rear to the west of the site.”

“Part of an access road is included within the site plan (in the south of the site) which provides access from Brampton Road to the parking area at the rear of the building, which falls within a wider area that is designated as Urban Open Space.”

Officer report

The building’s earlier uses

The building was previously used as a computer centre, office and IT laboratory, has been largely vacant since 2017, and includes a temporary foodbank.

“The planning history of the site indicates the building’s use as a Computer Centre. The Planning statement submitted with this application indicates that the building has…”

“Further information provided by the Council’s Estates Team confirms that between 2011 and 2016 the building was occupied by Steria and was likely used for office purposes. Between 2016 and 2017, part of the building was utilised by the Council’s IT partner, Northgate, as an IT laboratory within the main building. This use has since ceased, and the building has been largely vacant since July 2017.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would reuse a disused building without harming character, neighbours or highway safety, subject to conditions.

“That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to conditions.”

“For the reasons set out in this report, the proposed development is considered acceptable in principle. The proposal would not adversely impact upon the character and appearance of the area, the level of amenity currently enjoyed by the surrounding neighbours nor adversely impact upon highways safety. The development is overall considered acceptable and in accordance with the Development Plan, subject to compliance with relevant conditions.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Environmental Health and the Highway Authority raised no objections, with highways requesting a travel plan and secure parking for at least eight cycles.

“Full consultation responses are provided in Appendix A. A brief summary of the responses is provided below.”

“No objections subject to conditions requiring the submission and agreement of a Travel Plan and cycling parking details for a minimum of eight cycles.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee to object to the application.

The committee’s discussion

The committee considered the speaker’s points, other observations and comments, together with the application and its Addendum.

“The Committee discussed the application, considered all observations, points and comments made by the speaker and noted the report and the Addendum item for this application.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted by 10 votes to one to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation, as amended by the Addendum.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 10/1 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them and as amended by the Addendum.”

Minutes

The decision and reasons

The application was approved because the development would bring a disused building back into community use without unacceptable effects, with travel and cycle measures secured by conditions.

“On balance, the proposal would bring a disused building back into use for the benefit of the community. No harm would be incurred to neighbouring amenity and suitable highways safety impacts and sustainable travel methods would be secured by condition. Therefore, the development is considered acceptable having regard to the Development Plan and other material considerations.”

“That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report