Community centre and nine flats at Samaj Hall Rear Of 26 B, London SW17

“SITE DETAILS: The application site is 0.058ha in area and is landlocked behind Tooting High Street, Selkirk Road, and Graveney Road, with access via a vehicular/pedestrian alleyway off Tooting High Street. The site comprises a taller one storey building with mezzanine level and a two storey extension with a flat roof and is used as a community centre (Use Class F2).”

“To the north-west/north-east lies No.15A Selkirk Road another landlocked site with access off Selkirk Road. It comprises 2 x part 1/2 storey buildings used as a MOT garage and vehicle repairs centre (Sui Generis). Aside from No.15A, Selkirk Road consists of two storey terraced properties.”

“RELATED PLANNING APPLICATIONS: Application site: 1998 (S/98/0420): Approved: Partial demolition, and erection of a two storey extension to accommodate entrance foyer, meeting room, toilets, lift and ancillary facilities (for approved community centre). 1998 (S/98/0375): Approved: Partial demolition, and erection of a single storey extension to provide additional facilities (for approved community centre).”

“2014 (2013/4945): Approved: Construction of extensions at ground, first and new second floor level and alterations to the site and creation of a mixed-use quarter comprising of: a new semi-public open space for external markets and occasional events; 8no. new starter shop units (Class A1) + restaurant/cafe (Class A3) units; and 9no. flats (Class C3) with a mix of 1- bed, 2-bed and 3-bed units at first and second floor levels. New access gates, cycle and refuse storage.”

“The proposal would reprovide floorspace to the existing community centre and therefore cater for an identified need. The nature and activities that would take place on site would be similar as the existing situation and are considered to form part of the ‘community facility’ maintained and funded by the existing community centre. As such the proposal is considered to be acceptable in this location and in compliance with policy LP17 Part C1, C2 and C5.”

“The proposed development would not result in an over-concentration of similar facilities in a residential area as there are no similar facilities nearby (policy LP17 part C6). No residential units would be lost as part of the proposal (policy LP17 part C7).”

“Members sought clarification on whether the management of the existing community facilities and how they functioned could actually be a planning consideration, which formed the substantial issue from the objectors.”

“He added that Planning officers also made sure that the MET Police’s Design Out Crime Officer’s view was taken into account in relation to how the Noise Impact Assessment and Noise Management Plan would work, in order to be able to ensure that all of the controls were in place as well as those captured through conditions in an updated and modern facility.”

“RESOLVED – (unanimous) that planning permission be granted as set out in the report, noting the additional information as set out in the late items of correspondence paper.”