Agenda and minutes

Before moving to the formal business of the meeting the Chair with great sadness asked the Committee to note the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her reign of more than 70 years, the Queen had been an inspiration to people not only from this Country but across the world, through her tireless commitment to her public duties and to her people. She would be sorely missed. May she rest in peace.

The Chair then asked everybody to stand in quiet reflection for a minute’s silence.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2022 were confirmed as correct.

The Principal Planner, Be First Development Management Team, introduced a report on an application from Inland Homes seeking a planning permission for the demolition of the existing buildings and structures and the erection of buildings ranging from part 7 storeys to part 15 storeys to accommodate 233 residential units and 275 sqm non-residential floorspace (Use Class E) at 3 Gallions Close, Barking IG11 OJD. The proposals included the delivery of landscaping and public realm, play space, access, car parking and other associated and ancillary works.

In addition to internal and external consultations, a total of 837 notification letters were sent to neighbouring properties together with the requisite statutory notices. A total of three objections were received, the material planning considerations of which were addressed in the planning assessment set out in the report.

The proposed development would see a change of use from industrial use to mixed-use residential led development comprising of 233 new dwellings including 38 London Affordable Rent (23.3% by habitable room), and 275 sqm non-residential floorspace (Use Class E).

Paul Galgey, planning consultant, representing the applicant provided an overview of the proposed development. He explained that the applicant had been working with Council officers on this project for several years and that following the emergence of the Thames Road strategic masterplan they had over time refined a scheme through a “mini-masterplan” to support the transformation of the area through a process of intensifying industrial land to provide much need new housing. These proposals if approved would sit at the heart of the new residential development and the applicant was proud that their scheme would act as a catalyst for change in the area and the Borough as a whole. 

He outlined the housing tenure and mix, the affordable element of which included more 3- & 4-bedroom family units contributing positively towards local housing needs. Reference was made to the amount of Section 106 contributions being made and the studies and work undertaken to ensure the resilience of the development to climate change and to optimise performance in line with both Borough and London Plan policies. The applicant concluded that they were proud of the scheme and thanked officers for their support in getting to this stage. 

Opening the debate, a number of comments and observations were made with officer responses as follows:

-  Was the scheme “Secure by Design” 

This will be achieved by condition at a later date

-  It was noted that the Council’s planning policy of providing affordable housing units across these type of developments in what is described as “pepper potting” was generally not supported by registered housing providers, and therefore perhaps the Council should look to drop the policy or at least amend the wording?

-  The implications of car free developments generally, particularly for social housing tenants who have limited choice as to where they can live and may need a vehicle for work. This should be kept in mind for future developments.

-  The officer comments in the report in respect  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Principal Planner, Be First Development Management Team, introduced a report on an application from Gill Aggregates seeking a planning permission for the construction of three buildings to deliver new homes and a new primary school, together with associated landscaping, public realm, play space, new access roads, car and cycle parking and other associated and ancillary worksat the former Ford Motor Company Car Park North, Chequers Lane, Dagenham RM9 6PR. Since the publication of the agenda a number of typos and inconsistencies had been identified, and accordingly a supplementary report was subsequently published and circulated detailing the inaccuracies and proposed amendments. 

In addition to internal and external consultations, a total of 1390 notification letters were sent to neighbouring properties together with the requisite statutory notices. One objection was received, the material planning considerations of which were addressed in Appendix 3 to the report.

Lucy Howes, planning consultant, representing the applicant provided an overview of the proposed development on an underutilised site, one of a number of residential led developments coming forward in the area. She summarised the mix of affordable housing as well as the proposed landscaping, nature corridor and open spaces provision. 

She referenced the new 2-form entry primary school which was similar to a school site in Hackney overlooked by flatted accommodation which had previously been visited by Members of the Committee. It was noted that the design of the school in the application had sought to link the residential blocks and school site whilst negating overlooking and ensuring privacy for both residents and school pupils, something that Members had particularly highlighted at the visit. 

All homes had been designed to meet modern standards and specifications with high quality private and communal space provided alongside dedicated play space. In line with Borough and London Plan policies the development would be car free with significant cycle parking provision.

Concluding the presentation Ms Howes stated that the proposals would deliver a significant betterment for the community, acting as a high-quality visual signifier for the Dagenham Dock area, complementing proposals on adjacent sites. 

The Planning Officer continued that the location had a long-term objective in adopted policy as a regeneration site that could include residential led development. This had been carried through the emerging Local Plan. The proposed development would deliver several key development plan objectives for the area, positively contributing towards housing numbers and would, on balance, provide an appropriatedwelling mix, tenure split, accessible housing, and play space as well as delivering jobs for local residents during the construction phase, to be secured by a Section 106 legal agreement.

Whilst the level of the affordable housing was below the policy level, the under delivery was acceptable, in this instance, given that the applicant had agreed to fully deliver the proposed primary school if funding from the Department of Education could not be secured before the construction starts. However, should the funding for the school be secured, then the applicant would be required to increase the number of units  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.