Appeal 6000371

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for conversion of first floor into 3nos self-contained flats with associative bin and cycle store on ground floor at [address] and [address], Woolwich [postcode] in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 24/4114/F and the plans submitted with it, subject to the conditions in the attached schedule.

I have taken the site address above from the appeal form rather than the planning application form as it more clearly identifies the location of the appeal site.

The Council raised concerns about whether the development would provide satisfactory living conditions for future occupants with regard to internal space and private external amenity space. The appellant submitted an amended proposed floor plan with the appeal, with the amendments limited to the slight reduction in the floor area of the second bedrooms in the proposed two bedroom flats. Given the nature of the amendments proposed I do not find that my consideration of them is likely to prejudice any other party. I have therefore had regard to the amended floor plan in my consideration of this appeal, rather than those initially submitted.

The Council has confirmed that the amended floor plan would provide acceptable second bedrooms for one person in the proposed two bedroom flats that would be in accordance with the requirements set out in Policy D6 of The London Plan 2021 and Policies H5 and DH1 of the Royal Greenwich Local Plan: [name] with [name] 2014. It also states that the additional internal floor area provided in each flat over and above those minimum requirements is sufficient to overcome its concerns about the lack of private external amenity space, taking into account the constraints of the appeal site. The Council has therefore stated that the amended floor plan would overcome the single reason for refusal identified on the decision notice. Based on the information before me I can find no reason to disagree with the Council on this matter. Appeal Ref: 6000371

The appeal site is located within the Woolwich Conservation Area (CA). The significance of the CA is largely derived from the architectural form of the range of historic buildings present, including the appeal building which is locally listed due to its architectural and historic interest and distinctive design. Very limited external alterations are proposed to the appeal building, including the blocking up of one pedestrian doorway on the rear elevation and the provision of a bin and cycle store along the side elevation facing the alleyway. As a result of the limited works, the proposal would have a neutral effect on both the locally listed appeal building and the significance of the CA.

Based on the evidence before me, I find that the proposal would comply with the development plan as a whole. There are no material considerations before me that suggest a decision other than in accordance with the development plan. I therefore find that the appeal should be allowed subject to conditions.

The Council has suggested several conditions which I have considered in light of the advice in the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). Where appropriate, I have altered the wording of the conditions in the interests of precision and enforceability. In addition to the standard time limit condition for implementation, it is necessary to specify the approved plans in the interests of certainty. A pre-commencement condition requiring a Demolition/[name] is necessary to protect the amenity of the area during the construction phase.

A condition has also been imposed to require external materials details to ensure an appropriate visual appearance. I have imposed a condition requiring the development to be car-free in the interests of promoting sustainable travel. I have amended the suggested wording of the condition to accord with the guidance set out in the PPG. A condition requiring noise insulation measures is reasonable in order to protect the living conditions of future occupants. Conditions are also imposed to secure cycle storage and the provision of refuse bins prior to occupation, in the interests of character and appearance, promoting sustainable travel and providing adequate waste disposal.

An informative was suggested by Transport for London (TFL) regarding maintaining the footway/carriageway during construction and whether there is a need to re-route buses. I am satisfied that the appellant has had the opportunity to view this information, given it was included in TFL’s consultation response to the planning application.

For the reasons given above, I conclude that this appeal should be allowed.

The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than three years from the date of this decision.

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with drawing nos: 2574-01(Location Plan); 2574-05 [name] ([name] and First Floor Plan); 2574-06 (Proposed Roof Plan and [name]); 2574-07 (Proposed front and rear elevation), 2574-08 ([name]).

Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, a Demolition/[name] shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by the local planning authority for a management scheme to control and minimise emissions of pollutants from and attributable to the construction of the development. This should include a risk assessment and a method statement in accordance with the control of dust and emissions from Construction and Demolition Best Practice Guidance published by the Greater London Authority. The scheme shall set out the secure measures, which can, and will, be put in place. Details should include: • Proposals for monitoring dust / particulates and procedures to be put in place where agreed dust/particulates levels are exceeded; • A dust risk assessment shall be undertaken; to include dust suppression methods to be used including details of equipment during the different stages of the development; • Site plan identifying location of site entrance, exit, wheel washing, hard standing hoarding(distinguishing between solid hoarding and other barriers such as heras and monarflex sheeting),stock piles, dust suppression, location of water supplies and location of nearest neighbouring receptors; • Confirmation if a mobile crusher will be used on site and if so, a copy of the permit and intended dates of operation; • Bonfire policy; • Proposals for monitoring dust and preventing or controlling unacceptable releases; • Wheel washing facilities, location and facilities for discharging the water. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

Prior to their installation a detailed schedule and samples of all external materials and finishes/windows and external doors/roof coverings to be used on the building shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and retained for the lifetime of the development.

The residential use shall not commence until arrangements have been made to secure the development as a car-free development in accordance with a detailed scheme or agreement which shall have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The approved scheme or agreement shall ensure that: Appeal Ref: 6000371 i) no occupiers of the approved development shall apply for, obtain or hold an on-street parking permit to park a vehicle on the public highway within the administrative district of the local planning authority (other than a disabled person’s badge issued pursuant to section 21 of the [name] and Disabled Persons Act 1970 or similar legislation); and ii) any occupiers of the approved development shall surrender any such permit wrongly issued or held. Such scheme or agreement shall be implemented prior to the occupation of the development hereby permitted and shall be retained and operated for so long as the use hereby permitted continues.

Prior to the occupation of any residential unit hereby approved, noise insulation measures for all divisions (walls and/or floors) separating non-residential/residential areas shall be fully implemented in accordance with a noise insulation scheme that has first been submitted to and approved by the local planning authority. The scheme of noise insulation measures shall be prepared by a suitably qualified consultant/engineer and shall demonstrate that the proposed sound insulation will achieve a level of protection which is at least+10dB above the [name] standard (Dwelling houses and flats) for airborne sound insulation and -10dB for impact sound insulation. Thereafter it shall be maintained in the approved state at all times.

Prior to the first occupation of the development and in accordance with the submissions hereby approved, full details of the secure and dry cycle parking spaces shall be provided to, and approved in writing by, the local planning authority. The cycle storage units shall be made available for use by the prospective occupants prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved and shall be maintained for the lifetime of the development thereafter.

Prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved, full details of the residential and commercial refuse and recycling storage and collection arrangements shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The refuse and recycling facilities shall be fully implemented in accordance with the approved details and made available for use prior to the first occupation of the development and shall be maintained for the lifetime of the development. END OF SCHEDULE