Roof access staircases at Radford Gate, Sunbury-on-Thames

What was proposed

The application proposed external steel staircases for roof access and safety railings on the flat roofs of a 33-flat residential building.

“The subject property is a detached residential building consisting of 33 flats. The application seeks provision of access to the roof via painted, galvanised steel external staircases and provision of safety railings to the flat roofs.”

Officer report

The site

The building stands among commercial uses near a railway station, with residential properties in the wider area.

“The application relates to Radford Gate on Station Road in Sunbury-on- Thames. The subject property is a detached residential building consisting of 33 flats (a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroom units). To the north of the site is the office building of 4-7 Station Road, while to the south is the car park of Sunbury Railway Station. Further to the south is the station itself and the railway line. To the east is the embankment and highway of Staines Road East.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered residential conversion and extensions, while a previous office proposal was refused but later allowed on appeal.

“Relevant Planning History 2.1 The site has the following planning history: 14/01347/FUL Application for full planning permission for conversion of the existing building (Sunlink One) for 23 residential units and the demolition of the staircase block of the existing building and the erection of a part 2 storey/part 3 storey extension with accommodation in the roof space to provide 10 residential units (6 x 1-bed and 4 x 2-bed flats), together with landscaped courtyard…”

“Grant Prior Approval 14.02.2014 PLAN E/FUL/83/542 Erection of a part 3/part 4-storey office block of 18,722 sq. ft. (1,740 sq. m) with parking for 58 cars Refused 19.10.1983 Allowed on Appeal 10.07.1984”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the staircases and railings would provide safer roof access without harming appearance or neighbouring amenity.

“The proposed new access to the roof consisting of staircases and safety railings are not considered to have a harmful impact upon the character and appearance of the area or the amenity of the neighbouring properties. The proposed works are required in the interest of providing a more convenient and safer way to access the roof.”

“The proposal is considered to be acceptable and is therefore recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered design, appearance and effects on neighbouring properties, including nearby windows within the building.

“Planning Issues ➢ Design and appearance ➢ Amenity of neighbouring properties…”

“Given the height of the building, the proposed new staircases would not be particularly visible at eye level from the street, they would be small in scale when viewed in context with the overall size of the existing building. The new railings would provide visual consistency around the roof to match the existing railings. Overall, there is not considered to be a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area as a result of the proposal.”

Officer report

Residents’ responses

Fifty-one neighbouring properties were notified and no letters were received.

“Public Consultation 5.1 A total of 51 neighbouring properties were notified on the planning application and the Council has not received any letters in relation to the proposal.”

Officer report

Public speaking

There were no public speakers for the application.

The decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions in the recommendation.

“The application was approved subject to the conditions as set out in the recommendation section of the report (paras 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3).”

Minutes