Security gates and refuse store at Wilfred Fienburgh Court, London N7

What was proposed

The application proposed security gates and railings around an entrance porch, a new refuse store, and a relocated vehicle barrier.

“SUMMARY 4.1 The application seeks planning permission for installation of railings and a fobbed access entrance gate to securely enclose the existing entrance porch, relocation of refuse bins to side of vehicle access route and associated relocation of vehicle barrier to allow for refuse access. The proposal would involve the enclosure of an existing under croft with the introduction of a controlled pedestrian entrance gate and associated railings.”

“Architecturally, it represents the typical mid- 20th-century design, characterized by functional and straightforward aesthetics. The site is located within the Tufnell Park Conservation Area, but the building is neither statutory nor locally listed. The surrounding vicinity is primarily residential in nature. 6.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Pre-application advice generally supported the works, while an earlier window replacement application was approved with conditions.

“Officer Response: The proposals were generally supported. However, a full planning application would be required for officer assessment, and this should include justification on the chosen colour scheme alongside further detailing on other grounds.”

“P061197 - Replacement of all existing single glazed crittle windows with new double-glazed powder coated aluminium units. Approved with Conditions 22/09/2006.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Design, access, trees and crime consultees raised no objection or supported the works after clarifications, while highways raised a vehicle-turning point.

“Internal Consultees 8.3 Design & Conservation: No objection to the proposals which are considered to constructively address the feedback provided at the pre-application stage.”

“Access and Inclusive Design: Points of clarity raised during the assessment stage relating to height of the entryphone and keypad, tonal contrast of the gate and refuse store and the bollard arrangement. These have since been clarified by the applicant. No objection now therefore raised.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector questioned the petition, refuse relocation, vehicle access and consultation, while the applicant explained the security and refuse aims.

Members’ discussion

Members questioned the barrier, pedestrian access, antisocial behaviour evidence, consultation and refuse logistics before finding the scheme policy compliant.

“Members asked whether the proposed vehicle barrier would match the existing one in design and function. The Planning Officer confirmed it would be similar and relocated to improve access for refuse vehicles. It was also clarified that pedestrian access through the undercroft to the car park would remain unchanged, though the area would be secured by a new gate.”

“Members agreed that the proposal addressed long-term security and refuse management needs and was supported by evidence of antisocial behaviour. The scheme was considered policy compliant and appropriately consulted upon. While recognising the number of objections, members expressed confidence in the proposed measures and encouraged continued dialogue with residents.”

Minutes

The vote

The ward councillor proposed approval, Councillor Klute seconded it, and the committee voted unanimously to approve.

“Councillor ward proposed to approve the application, seconded by Cllr Klute. The committee unanimously voted to approve the application.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions and informatives in the officer report.

“That following consideration of the case officer’s report (the assessment and recommendations therein), the presentation to Committee, submitted representations at this meeting, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report.”

Minutes