Three affordable houses at Barclay Close, London SW6

The site and surroundings

The site was a 0.107-hectare tarmacked car park with 12 spaces in a residential estate near public transport and conservation areas.

“The site is located within a residential estate to the south east of Fulham Road, which consists of mixed use properties with commercial at ground floor and residential above which back on to the site. To the south west, is an electricity substation and beyond this are residential properties within Fulham Court.”

“The site is outside but in close proximity to Fulham Town Centre to the north. The site has good public transport links, approximately 400m from Fulham Broadway Underground Station (District Line) and a similar distance to Parsons Green Station which is on the same line. There are also a number of bus stops close to the site serving various routes. The site has a PTAL rating of 4.”

Officer report

Earlier plans and advice

An earlier six-flat permission was not implemented, while later advice considered housing mix, scale, design, amenity, landscaping and cycle storage.

“In 2014 planning permission was approved (2013/04504/FR3) for the erection of a four storey residential building to provide 6 self-contained flats (1 x 1 bed and 5 x 2 bed self-contained flats) and associated landscaping. Permission not implemented.”

“- Consideration of the housing typology and the unit mix. - Scale of development. - Articulation of the façade. - Need to provide rear amenity space at ground floor level along with windows to habitable rooms. - The need to include a full assessment of residential amenity in terms of privacy, outlook, and daylight and sunlight. - Possible wider benefits of the scheme including landscape improvements. - Location of cycle stores.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement and conditions because the scheme would provide affordable housing and acceptable design, amenity, transport and environmental outcomes.

“In summary, the proposal would contribute towards the quantity of the borough's affordable housing stock. It is acceptable in visual terms and is considered to be of a high quality of design which would not adversely impact upon the setting of the nearby Conservation Areas. Subject to conditions the proposal would not result in unacceptable impacts upon the amenities of neighbouring residential properties.”

“The new residential units comply the relevant standards and provide a good quality of accommodation for the new occupants. Highways, transportation and environmental matters including energy and sustainability, flood risk, air quality and land contamination have also been satisfactorily addressed and will be subject to conditions and a legal agreement.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Environment Agency and Transport for London raised no objection, while Historic England and archaeological advisers had no comments or objections.

“The Environment Agency raise no objection.”

“Historic England confirmed they had no comments on the application.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Seventeen objections from ten addresses raised concerns about parking, traffic, design, neighbour amenity, construction, pollution, drainage and housing need.

“In response, 17 objections were received from 10 separate addresses. The concerns raised can be summarised as follows:”

“Other Matters - Ground movement from construction in the area - Possible structural and foundation issues to neighbouring buildings - Drainage and plumbing issues - Land ownership - Boundary issues - Maintenance of neighbouring building - Lack of need for housing - Wrong type of housing - Level of affordable housing - Impact on energy bills (from overshadowing) - Impact on tree - Lease and covenants…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer gave a presentation, two residents spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

The committee vote

Members unanimously supported both amended officer recommendations, with no votes against and no members not voting.

“The Committee voted on the officer recommendations for approval as amended by the Addendum as follows:”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was authorised subject to a satisfactory legal document and conditions, with authority for minor changes to the legal terms or conditions.

“That the Director of Planning and Property be authorised to grant permission upon the completion of a satisfactory legal document and subject to the conditions listed in the report.”

“That the Director of Planning and Property, after consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal Services and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee be authorised to make any minor changes to the proposed Heads of Terms of the legal document or proposed conditions, which may include the variation, addition or deletion of conditions, any such changes shall be within their discretion.”

Minutes