Recladding 20 Airey houses at Ridgwell Avenue, Orsett

The site

The houses are in Orsett at Ridgwell Avenue and Malting Lane, with council-owned properties forming the remediation scheme.

“The properties are located in the village of Orsett on the corner of Malting Lane with Ridgwell Avenue and on Ridgwell Avenue. Some properties are privately owned and some owned by the Council. Those Council properties are the ones affected by this remediation scheme with most on Ridgwell Avenue (15 properties) and the rest on Maltings Lane.”

“All are of a modular construction comprising reinforced concrete posts with concrete panel cladding. They were built post the second world war and this property type is now acknowledged as defective…”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle and detail, improving housing quality, energy performance and living conditions.

“Officers acknowledge the comments raised by the conservation officer. However, in considering the proposals it is noted that the dwellings, as they have existed long beyond their originally expected lifespan do not provide the modern standards of living that are required.”

“The proposal involves the fitting of insulation to the walls and loft areas to substantially upgrade the performance of the fabric reducing the energy needs for heating the homes. These measures contribute to a wider goal of decarbonisation and thus lowering bills for residents within these homes. The quality of living for the tenants should also improve with the reduced risk of condensation and mould growth which are known to adversely affect health.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation officer raised harm to the buildings’ appearance but had no objection to effects on the adjacent Conservation Area; no representations were received.

“No objection to the impact of the changes on the adjacent Conservation Area.”

“Notes that the buildings, given their character & appearance and their relative uniqueness could as a designated asset for the purposes of the NPPF. The officer indicates that the changes would result in some harm to the significance of the buildings.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application and advised that it concerned recladding to address structural performance and energy performance.

Members’ questions

Members asked why the application was before the committee and whether residents would be moved; it was confirmed as a local authority application and that residents would stay.

“Members queried why the application had come to committee and it was confirmed that was brought because it is a local authority application.”

“Members queried if the current residents will be moved out. It was confirmed they wouldn’t be moved.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the conditions in section 16 of the report.

“That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those conditions set out in section 16 of this report.”

Minutes