Seven residential flats at 38-40 Watling Street, Radlett

What was proposed

The application proposed five flats in a new three-storey block, two flats in the middle block, parking, storage, landscaping and access.

“SITE LOCATION Garages To Rear Of 23-25 Park Road And Land To The Rear Of 38-40, Watling Street, Radlett, Hertfordshire…”

“DEVELOPMENT Demolition of existing garages on Plot B to allow for the erection of three-storey residential apartment block comprising of 5 units (3 x 2 bed flats and 2 x 3 bed flats) to include basement with storage and service areas. Surface level parking, bin store, bike store, amenity space, associated landscaping and access from Park Road. Redevelopment of middle block approved under application 20/0384/FUL to create 2 x 2 bed units on Plot A.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains garages in Radlett North Conservation Area, near residential, commercial and park uses, with nearby train and bus connections.

“TO GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION, subject to a suitably worded S106 agreement and conditions. Should the agreement or unilateral undertaking under Section 106 not be completed and signed by this date or as extended, it is recommended that the Head of Planning and Economic Development or Development Management Team Manager be given delegated powers to refuse the planning application, if it is reasonable to do so, for the reason set out below: “Suitable provision for…”

“The surrounding area comprises of a mix of uses including commercial premises, residential properties, and a nearby park, at Watling Street Garden. The development site is also in close proximity to the Radlett Thameslink Train Station which offers connections to central London and further north towards St Albans, Luton, and Bedford.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the brownfield site sustainable and found limited backland harm outweighed by housing and efficient land-use benefits.

“As the application has very little changes that would affect the Climate Change and Energy Statement, the document provided for application 23/1454/FUL has also been submitted for this application. This documents was previously reviewed by the Council’s Climate Change officer. The proposal indicates the inclusion of PV panels on the roof (approximately 30 panels), as well as Air Source Heat Pumps in order to improve the development’s sustainability credentials.”

“Given that the only issue relates to the “backland” nature of the proposal, and the fact that the presumption in favour of sustainable development applies, given the Council’s lack of five-year housing land supply, Officer’s consider that on balance the proposed development is acceptable and the benefits of the scheme are not outweighed by the very limited harm.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council, ecology and arboriculture consultees raised no objections, while highways supported approval with conditions and parking permits would not be available.

“Aldenham Parish Council No objection Ecology Application can be determined with no ecological objections, with conditions and informatives listed below. Environmental Health & Licensing Summary:”

“Parking Operations Site within existing CPZ – residents would not be eligible for resident or visitor parking permits. Place Services - Essex County Council - Conservation Advice This application follows a recently approved application (ref: 23/1454/FUL) for a scheme that is largely like the current one. As per previous advice, the overall development would not be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

What neighbours said

Twenty-five neighbours objected and one commented in support, with concerns including parking, overlooking, privacy, lighting, noise, wildlife and design information.

“Officer note: A number of comments that have been made state that the applicant has made certain assurances to the neighbours, however, such assurances do not carry any weight in planning terms unless specified in the submitted information. Where matters would raise planning concerns and can be controlled via planning conditions, such conditions shall be imposed and specified at the end of this report.”

“Regardless, the windows on the west elevation, including the roof lights, would be conditioned to be obscurely glazed and non-openable. Where changes are made without the Council’s approval, the owners would be liable for enforcement action and would be in breach of planning conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application to the committee.

Members’ discussion

Members noted that new residents would not receive parking permits, then proposed and seconded agreement with the recommendation.

“The Planning Officer confirmed that new residents would not be entitled to parking permits, as the surrounding area was within a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). This had been confirmed by the Parking department.”

“It was proposed by Councillor D Lambert and seconded by Councillor L Smith that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.”

Minutes

The vote

All 11 votes supported the recommendation, with no votes against and no abstentions.

“For: (11 total) – Councillors C Gray, A Kaza, B Rosehill, P Morris, L Smith, D Lambert, S Shah, H Green, N Susman, M Allen and M Amron. Against: (0 total) – None. Abstain: (0 total) – None. Total votes cast: 11”

Minutes

The decision

The committee delegated authority to grant planning permission, subject to a suitably worded legal agreement and conditions.

“RESOLVED that the application be DELEGATED To The Head Of Planning And Economic Development Or Development Management Team Manager To Grant Planning Permission, subject to a suitably worded S106 agreement and conditions.”

Minutes