Youth and community centre at Castlecombe Children and Family Centre, Mottingham

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the Youth Centre and extending the Children and Family Centre for flexible youth and community support space.

“The application seeks permission for the demolition of the existing Youth Centre building and construction of an extension to the existing Castlecombe Children and Family Centre to provide flexible space for Youth Hub and Communi ty Support Centre with supporting facilities.”

“The proposal would include the provision of a bin store, new fencing and entrance gates, 7 parking bays (including 2 disabled spaces), resurfacing works, and associated landscaping.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains two single-storey buildings in a mainly residential area, within Urban Open Space and beside a primary school.

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in nature, though the site is allocated for education uses and lies next to Elmstead Wood Primary School.”

“The application site lies within Urban Open Space, the Mottingham Renewal Area and is designated as an Education Site Allocation.”

Officer report

Earlier planning matters

Earlier children’s centre extensions were permitted, while a separate application for ten affordable family homes remained under consideration.

“07/03848/FULL1 – Single storey extensions to existing nursery to form Children’s Centre with 9 additional car parking spaces adjacent to existing access road – Permitted • 14/00707/FULL1 – Demolition of existing modular building and replacement single storey modular children’s centre – Permitted.”

“It should also be noted that there is a separate application under ref: 26/00675/FPA for the demolition of the existing youth centre building and redevelopment of the site to provide 10 new affordable family houses with associated access, parking, landscaping, refuse stores and cycle stores which is currently pending consideration.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission, finding that the proposal would provide suitable community reprovision and avoid unacceptable harm to appearance, residents, parking and highway safety.

“Having had regard to the above it is considered that the proposed development would not result in an unacceptable loss of existing community facilities, and that subject to appropriate conditions, including for the submission of a management plan, the proposed extension and use would provide a modern, accessible and suitable reprovision of the Youth Centre use.”

“Furthermore, it is considered that the design of the extension would not result in any unacceptable impact upon the appearance of the existing Children and Family Centre building, Urban Open Space or the wider character of the area, and that it would not result in an unacceptable impact upon the amenities of nearby residents.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Statutory consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while local groups and residents objected to reduced facilities, parking, noise, trees and wildlife impacts.

“Environmental Health Officer: No objections subject to conditions • No objection raised, subject to conditions for the submission of a scheme of noise mitigation, construction and environmental management plan.”

“Cycle parking is shown on the site plan. It must be covered and secure to encourage cycling as a sustainable travel alternative. • No objection subject to conditions to retain the parking layout, to request details of turning areas, provision of sightlines and visibility splays, hardstanding for washdown facilities, full details of refuse and cycle parking, details of lighting for the access and parking, the stopping up of the existing access, and the provision of a…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Visiting Ward Councillor Will Rowlands spoke in support, highlighting the poor existing facilities, the need for the new centre and improved provision.

Members’ discussion

Members agreed that the existing facilities were run-down and needed improvement, and found no sustainable reasons to refuse the proposal.

“The existing Youth Centre facilities were not fit for purpose. • The new facility was needed for the children in the area and Borough. • The facilities would be enhanced and improved. • It was acknowledged and welcomed that although the Council was under financial constraints, this important and much-needed proposal had been put forward. • The provision of Swift Bricks was an important condition if the application was approved.”

“Members agreed that the current facilities were run-down and in need of improvement and felt this was a good application/proposal with no sustainable reasons for refusal.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s conditions and an additional condition requiring swift nest bricks or external swift nest boxes.

“Members having considered the report and representations RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE APPROVED subject to the conditions as set out in the report and the additional condition as follows:”

“Prior to commencement of above ground works details of swift nest bricks or external swift nest boxes shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning authority and shall be included within construction works and permanently retained at the site thereafter.”

Minutes