Planning Applications PDF 1 MB - Meetings, agendas and minutes

would have to be built to current housing design guidelines and standards and could
fully optimise the contribution the site makes to meeting housing need and demand in
the Borough by increasing the capacity by approximately 50%.
5.20 The demolition of the existing buildings would enable below ground investigative
survey work to be undertaken in order to establish the extent of any ground
contamination. Having a cleared site would speed up the council's JV development
process enabling construction to commence at the earliest opportunity.
5.21 In summary, the established use of the site and the planning policy context
remains in favour of residential development. The current housing is vacant (save for
one leaseholder) and is no longer fit for occupation. The proposal would assist a
housing redevelopment scheme coming forward in the near future allowing the
investigative site works to commence providing certainty and speeding up the overall
construction programme. The new housing would be built to current housing standards
and should fully optimise the site.
Design (including public realm and trees)
5.22 The NPPF (paragraph 56) states that the Government attaches great importance
to the design of the built environment. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable
development, is indivisible from good planning, and should contribute positively to
making places better for people.
5.23 London Plan Policies 7.1, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6 require new developments to respond
to the surrounding scale and setting to provide high quality design and public realm that
makes a positive contribution to the immediate, local and wider area. Policy 7.3
requires new development to design out crime.
5.24 Core Strategy Policy BE1 requires the creation of a high quality urban
environment, which enhances the townscape and heritage assets and respects the local
character and context. The character and appearance of the boroughs Conservation
Areas should also be protected and enhanced. Policy DM G1 of the Development
Management Local Plan builds on the above mentioned policies, seeking development
which is of a high standard of design and compatible with the scale and character of
existing development and Policy DM G1 of the Development Management Local Plan
seeks to protect, restore or enhance the quality, character, appearance and setting of
conservation areas.
5.25 The proposed landscaping takes the form of different layers, with low and medium
level shrub planting creating a human level environment in the foreground. A small
public open space is proposed at the junction of Townmead Road and Watermeadow
Lane where seating would be provided. Views along the street will be enhanced with
two rows of street trees of differing species, adding depth and height to the planting.
Four `fingers' of planting will extend into the site adding interest from the more distant
views and giving the impression that the planting extends beyond the boundary into the
Site.
5.26 Policy DM E4 of the Development Management Local Plan promotes greening of
the Borough and aims to enhance biodiversity and green infrastructure by way of
retaining existing trees and planting new ones. In this regard the existing trees on the