Office and cycle storage at Carl Ekman House, Northfleet, Gravesend

“This application seeks planning permission for the change of use to convert a store and vacant area (B8 class) into an office space area (E class) and another store into a separate pram & cycle storage spaces.”

“The proposal also contains improvements to the communal area, adding a secure new door between the entrance lobby and corridor to provide additional protected lobby area. There are also changes proposed to the front entrance landscape to a resin surface and wooden planters.”

“Carl Ekman House is a large block of flats constructed in the late 1960s, located within the urban area of Northfleet. The block is a H shape unit consisting of 14 storeys and 52 flats.”

“There have been some external improvement works undertaken to the building in recent years, with the panelling updated and painted.”

“This application follows an approval for the “construction of front lobby area with canopy and new communal front entrance doors to include the redecoration of railings” (ref. 20221062), which Members approved at planning committee (23 November 2022) with 5 conditions.”

“The approval has not yet been implemented and due to the 3 year time limit enforced by Condition 1, the planning permission will expire 06 December 2025.”

“The proposed office space will only be used for temporary periods in emergency situations by the Council and for resident meetings, which will be secured by condition. However, the change of use will bring a vacant storage area into use and is considered to be acceptable. The building retains sufficient storage areas on the ground floor and as such the proposal will not compromise the operation of the building and the change can be supported.”

“The new canopy will provide a covered entrance to the flat block, providing residents and visitors with additional protection from poor weather, whilst improving the overall appearance of the building and area. The new stores will also provide dedicated spaces for storage of prams and bicycles to the benefit of amenity. Therefore, the development is considered to improve the amenity of current and future occupiers of the building.”

“Consultation - Following a review of the information provided in the planning application, HSE is content with the fire safety design as set out in the project description, to the extent it affects land use planning considerations.”

“External wall - It is noted the above application includes the installation and replacement of windows and doors. Whilst window/door frames and glass are exempt from the regulations regarding fire performance classifications of relevant building external walls, it is advised that there is a potential risk that any replacement work could affect the integrity of fire safety precautions such as fire resisting cavity barriers around openings in external walls.”

“A notice was displayed on site 15 August 2025, and no representations were received. The consultation period expired 05 September 2025.”

“The Chair invited the Committee to ask questions for clarification:”

“The Committee queried emergency use requirements mentioned in paragraph 7.7 of the report and were updated that although the Planning Authority were unsure on what the emergency cases would be, there was an office management plan within the conditions of approval. The Head of Planning added that the office space was proposed for the use of Council officers and Council partners for any emergency situation where needed. The space could also be used for meetings by residents.”

“RESOLVED that Planning PERMISSION be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”