17 affordable homes at 48 ?, 50 Artillery Place, Woolwich, London SE18

What was proposed

The application proposed converting commercial premises into 17 homes, adding two storeys, building a rear dwelling and making associated external changes.

“Change of use from commercial (Use Class E) to residential units (Use Class C3), in addition to external alterations, extensions and associated works.”

“The proposal would retain the existing three storey building on site, add an additional two storeys, and change the use from Use Class E to Use Class C3. A new three storey residential dwelling would be constructed to the rear. The proposed scheme includes 17 residential units, which is a mix of one, two and three-bed units.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The council-owned site contains a vacant three-storey building and derelict outbuildings at the junction of three roads, opposite the conservation area.

“The site measures 0.055 hectares in area. The existing buildings occupy almost the entirety of the site and consist of the main 3-storey building as well as ancillary outbuildings to the north of the site. The main building was likely constructed in the early 1900s and is a concrete frame…”

“ITEM NO: 7 with columns, downstand beams and loadbearing internal walls. It is now vacant and has been for an extended period. The outbuildings are a later addition to the site, incongruous with the main building and in a dilapidated, derelict state.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A 2003 application to change the building from a garage to a day nursery was approved, and pre-application advice was obtained.

“The most relevant planning decision relating to the site is application ref. 03/0051/F, for the change of use from garage to day nursery. This application was approved on 13 June 2003.”

“It is highlighted that the applicant engaged in a pre-application advice process with the Council before formal submission of the application.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the affordable housing, design, living standards, neighbouring amenity and transport effects acceptable, subject to conditions and agreed obligations.

“The proposed development would regenerate an underutilised site and provide much needed affordable housing withing the Borough; • The proposed development would provide employment opportunity during the construction phase; and • The application provides generally acceptable impact on the amenity of adjoining residential properties and in proximity.”

“The proposed development is considered acceptable with regard to design and would provide a high standard of residential space for future occupants. The development is also considered to have an acceptable impact on neighbouring amenity and the local highway system.”

Officer report

Public comments

One public objection said the plans could not be viewed; the objector was directed to the planning register and made no further comments.

“Summary of Comments Officers comments In objection Not able to view plans…”

“The objector was directed to the Councils Planning register to view all submitted plans and no further comments were received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no public speakers, and Members decided that a full presentation was unnecessary after reading the report and addendum.

Members’ discussion

The Planning Officer explained the rear dwelling’s relationship to the main building and the use of opaque western windows to limit overlooking.

“The Planning Officer responded to Members that the proposal would include a 3-story building to the rear of the site, away from Artillery Place, which was the primary streetscape, and was considered, by the Councils Urban Design Officer to provide a positive to the visual appearance of the site. The proposal would physically and visually blend into the main building but a standalone dwelling.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The Chair put the recommendation directly to the vote, and nine Members supported it with none against or abstaining.

“As Members had no questions for the applicant and no comments the Chair put the recommendation to grant planning consent directly to the vote with – 9 Members in favour 0 Members against 0 Members abstaining…”

Minutes

The decision

Full planning permission was granted for the change of use, external alterations, extensions and associated works.

“That full planning permission be granted for the change of use from commercial (Use Class E) to residential units (Use Class C3), in addition to external alterations, extensions and associated works.”

“Consent subject to: i. The satisfactory completion of a Section 111 (S111) Legal Agreement (obligations set out in Section 26); and ii. Conditions set out in Appendix 2 of the report and its addendums.”

Minutes