Agenda item

Report of the Divisional Director, Planning - circulated separately.

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Planning Protocol, where Councillors disagree with the advice of the Divisional Director, Planning, it will be the Members' responsibility to clearly set out the reasons for refusal where the Officer recommendation is for grant.  The planning reasons for rejecting the Officer's advice must be clearly stated, whatever the recommendation and recorded in the minutes.  The Officer must be given the opportunity to explain the implications of the contrary decision.

In accordance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the Addendum was admitted late to the agenda as it contained information relating to various items on the agenda and was based on information received after the despatch of the agenda.  It was admitted to the agenda in order to enable Members to consider all information relevant to the items before them for decision.

RESOLVED:  That authority be given to the Divisional Director of Planning to issue the decision notices in respect of the applications considered.

BELMONT SCHOOL, HIBBERT ROAD , HARROW WEALD

Reference:  P/0805/14 (Harrow Council). Construction of a New Single and Two-Storey Extension attached to North West and North East Elevations of Existing Building with Provision of 0.8 Metre High Balustrades at Roof Level; Provision of Access Ramp with Railings to Single Storey Extension and Extract Duct and Condenser on Roof; Additional Car Park Provided at the Front of the Site and Alteration to Existing Car Parking Layout; Removal of Existing Temporary Mobile Accommodation and Annex Building; Associated Hard and Soft Landscaping to Include New Hard Play Areas; New Boundary Treatment; Cycle Storage; External Alterations (In Association with Expansion of the Existing 2 Form Entry Primary School to a 3 Form Entry Primary School).

An officer introduced the report and drew attention to the addendum.  It was noted that parking controls in the area had been reviewed and a 20 mph zone with traffic calming would be introduced to the area west of the school in 2014.  An additional parking enforcement vehicle with number plate recognition had been procured to address illegal parking in streets surrounding the school particularly at peak times.

DECISION:  GRANTED permission, under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations, for the development described in the applications and submitted plans, subject to the conditions and informatives reported, as amended by the addendum.

The Committee wished it to be recorded that the decision to grant the application was unanimous.

KINGSLEY HIGH SCHOOL, WHITTLESEA ROAD, HARROW

Reference:  P/0865/14 (Harrow Council). Construction of a Two Storey Extension within Existing Internal Courtyard Space; Provision of New Hard Play Space to the West of the Site; Associated Landscaping and Boundary Treatment (In Association with the Expansion of the School Capacity  from 62 to 104 Pupils by 2017).

Members were informed that the development would take place within the current school buildings so was not prominent and could not be seen from outside the school.  It was noted that the application site was in Harrow Weald Ward.

Discussion took place regarding transport arrangements and it was noted that 95% of pupils travelled by minibus and 5% by car.  In response to questions it was noted that there would be a projected increase of four minibuses.  The traffic assessment did not consider that further measures were necessary due to the arrangements for drop off points within the school boundary for the minibuses.  In addition, the construction of inset parking bays close to the school had reduced congestion.  It was considered that the impact on on?street parking would be minimal.

DECISION:  GRANTED permission, under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations, for the development described in the applications and submitted plans, subject to the conditions and informatives reported, as amended by the addendum.

The Committee wished it to be recorded that the decision to grant the application was unanimous.

PINNER WOOD SCHOOL, LATIMER GARDENS, PINNER

Reference:  P/0806/14 (Harrow Council). First Floor Extension to Provide New Classroom; New Entrance with Canopy; New Pedestrian Access; Enlargement of Existing Car Park and Alteration to Parking Layout Including Resurfacing; Associated Boundary Treatment, Signage and Refuse Enclosure; External Alterations To Fenestration; Hard And Soft Landscape Works (In Association With Expansion Of Existing 2 Form Entry Primary School To A 3 Form Entry Primary School).

It was noted that a site visit had taken place and attention was drawn to the addendum.  The Committee was informed that the proposal would result in an increase from 40 parking spaces to 48 spaces.  This was a reduction by 5 of the proposed new spaces due to concerns by the Arboricultural Officer regarding root damage to trees that were considered worthy of a Tree Preservation Order.

In response to questions, it was noted that:

·                    an experimental Traffic Order to extend the existing one way system for up to 18 months would allow monitoring and consultation on its effectiveness to relieve congestion.  It was noted that the one way system would operate at all times. Point ‘no entry’ provisions would be difficult to enforce and therefore were not the preferred option.;

·                    the removal of the bomb shelter was dealt with as part of the scheme;

·                    the level of on-site parking spaces had been assessed and, with mitigation to ensure that trees were not damaged, was considered appropriate;

·                    the provision of ground matting between the trees to the right of the football pitch would still compact the area around the roots

DECISION:  GRANTED permission, under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations, for the development described in the applications and submitted plans, subject to the conditions and informatives reported, as amended by the addendum.

The Committee wished it to be recorded that the decision to grant the application was unanimous.