Five flats at 54 High Street, Ruislip

The site and surroundings

The site is a locally listed former bank in a town centre, conservation area and primary shopping area, surrounded by commercial and residential uses.

“The building is locally listed and is within the Ruislip Village Conservation Area. It is of an attractive design and finish, contributing positively to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The site also lies within a Primary Shopping Area, and the Ruislip Motte and Bailey Archaeological Priority Area.”

“The surrounding area comprises a mix of commercial and residential uses. The adjoining property to the south and opposing properties across the High Street and King Edward's Road consist of various commercial uses on the ground floor, as do other nearby properties along the High Street. The upper floors of the High Street consist of multiple uses, including residential and offices. The adjoining no.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The property has extensive planning history, mainly concerning its former bank use, and none was directly relevant to this application.

“A full list of the planning history relating to the property can be found in Appendix 2.”

“The application site has an extensive planning history, however this largely relates to its former use as a bank. None would be directly relevant to this application.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

A petition, individual objections, residents’ association representations and a ward councillor raised concerns about design, privacy, noise, parking and refuse storage.

“Altogether: - A petition with a total of 35 valid signatures was received in objection to the proposal. - 4 representations, from one individual, were received, in objection to the proposal. - 2 representations from the Ruislip Residents Association were received. - Representation from a Local Ward Councillor objecting to the proposal.”

“III. Impacts on neighbour amenity; loss of privacy / overlooking; noise (increased from previous use) Discussed within paragraph s 7.50 - 7.68 of this report . IV. Highway and parking concerns; development has no parking; impact on existing parking; limited space for satisfactory bin storage/uncertainty over land ownership Discussed within paragraphs 7.80 - 7.103 of this report .”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Conservation, highways and accessibility officers raised no objections, subject to conditions covering design, transport, storage and other safeguards.

“Planning Officer Response Conservation and Design: No Objections, subject to conditions.”

“This is a pleasant metroland bank building located on Ruislip high street with a return to King Edwards Road. It is of two storeys with a clay tiled roof and the detailing and finishes result in a positive contribution to the character of the conservation area. There has been ongoing discussions in relation to the proposals. We believe that the design solution now arrived at addresses our concerns.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A petitioner opposed the scheme’s scale and impacts, while the agent supported its amendments, mitigation and use of a vacant building.

Members’ discussion

Members noted that the proposal would provide much-needed housing and that no unacceptable planning harm had been identified.

“Members noted that the proposal would provide much needed housing and that no unacceptable planning harm had been identified.”

Minutes

The vote

The officer recommendation was moved, seconded and unanimously approved.

“The officer recommendation was moved, seconded and, upon being put to the vote, was unanimously approved.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved in line with the officer recommendation.

“RESOLVED: That the application be approved as per officer recommendation.”

Minutes