Agenda item

Proposed redevelopment of the site to provide a residential led, mixed-usedevelopment comprising 75 residential units (C3) and 338sqm GIA of flexible commercial space (B1b, B1c and D1), with building heights ranging between 4 and 7 storeys, associated parking and landscaping, and all necessary ancillary and enabling works.

Ward: Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown

Proposed redevelopment of the site to provide a residential led, mixed use development comprising 75 residential units (C3) and 338sqm GIA of flexible commercial space (B1b, B1c and D1), with building heights ranging between 4 and 7 storeys, associated parking and landscaping, and all necessary ancillary and enabling works.

Ward: Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown

Chris Leveret and Alex Giles from DLA Architect, Nick Lawrence from the Developer Age Group and Planning Consultant John Mumby from ICU Projects, attended to give a presentation and respond to Members' questions and issues raised for further consideration prior to submission of a planning application.

The main issues raised at this meeting were as follows:

Height – A few Members supported an extra floor rising to 8 storeys on the corner to improve the appearance of the building particularly if this could improve the affordable offer on site. However other Members were not in favour of the extra increase in height.

Design and Massing – Members were supportive for the greater use of materials to help break the massing of the facade. Some concern around the use of red brick.

Parking – Members were undecided on whether the quantum of parking was enough. Though there was consensus that should there be more car parking space on the site, it should not compromise the design of the landscaping/communal garden. It should be demonstrated that vehicles can service the commercial units without affecting the flow of traffic on Brighton Road. 

Commercial Space – Members welcomed the commercial space which would create an active frontage but want to be assured that there would be a demand for it.

Three bed units – Members felt that there should be more three bedroom units in the scheme and noted that none of the proposed three bed units are proposed to be affordable.

Windows – Members would like to see improvements to the south west frontage windows by which they could be made larger. Members were also concerned about the overlooking of surrounding residents in relation to the design of balconies to be considered.

Winter Gardens – Members welcomed the winter gardens but noted that the majority were accessed from bedrooms and it would be better if they were accessed from living areas.

Air Quality – Members noted that the location did not have the best air quality and welcomed the winter gardens. Members would also like to see other design techniques which could be used to improve air quality for the occupants.

Landscaping – Members highlighted the importance that the correct species were specified so they survive in the landscape court yard as some areas of the site do not get any daylight.

Colonnades – Mixed views were expressed about whether the colonnade would create a security issue, with one Member voicing concerns on this issue.

Ward Member Councillor Simon Hoar was invited to share his local viewpoint on the development presentation.

The Chair thanked the applicants for their presentation, and looked forward to their application returning to the Committee at a later stage.