Issue - meetings

Variation of Condition 2 (approved drawings) and Condition 9 (green wall and green roof system) of planning permission 15/01532/FULM for removal of green wall on the rear elevation of the previously approved building (amended description)

The committee received the report of the interim Head of Development Management, including the relevant planning history of the site and details of the responses to the application. 

The interim Head of Development Management introduced the report.  She advised that the application sought a variation of Condition 2 (approved drawings) and Condition 9 (green wall and green roof system) of planning permission 15/01532/FULM for removal of green wall on the rear elevation of the previously approved building (amended description).

The Chair invited Adrian Buica, a local resident, to speak to the committee.  Mr Buica explained his concerns about the proposed patterned brick bonding, which he did not consider an adequate replacement for the green wall.  Referencing the inspector’s report of 13 April 2017, which was summarised in the officer’s report, Mr Buica argued that the developer should propose a more appropriate substitute to soften the appearance and restrict the impact on the outlook of neighbouring residential properties in Nascot Street.

Outlining his own reservations on the proposal, the Chair sought the views of the committee.

Committee members agreed with the concerns of local residents about the poor substitute provided by the proposed patterned brick bonding.  This was considered unimaginative and unsightly.  The original green wall had offset some of the harm of the development and was in keeping with the council’s ambition to provide quality developments for residents, which were also mindful of the environment.  Members cited examples of green walls, including elsewhere in the borough, which were safe and provided visual interest and environmental benefits.

Members of the committee proposed that a decision should be deferred to allow the developer time to reconsider its original green wall proposal or to devise alternative, visually attractive, options for the committee to consider.

The Chair moved the decision to defer the officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED –

That planning permission be deferred to allow the developer time to reconsider its original green wall proposal or to devise alternative, visually attractive, options for the committee to consider.