Issue - meetings

This report before Members detailed a planning application for the redevelopment of the site to provide 620 residential units with 830sqm of commercial floorspace in buildings extending to between 4 and 8 storeys in height together with associated car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and infrastructure works.

This application was reported to the Committee because it was for a major development within Romford.

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements the Committee was addressed by an objector with a response by the applicant’s agent.

The objector commented that he was representing the Romford Civic Society who opposed the planned development. The objector also commented that the site would be poorly accessed due to the existing road layout which formed the gateway into the town centre. The objector also commented that the proposal had not really moved on from the proposal submitted last year and that nothing had been done to reduce the mass and bulk of the proposed buildings. The objector concluded by commenting that the quality of the buildings would be the same as had been delivered in the 1911 and 1936 Romford Garden Suburb in Gidea Park and asked what specific mechanisms would be put in place to achieve this.

In response the applicant’s agent commented that he welcomed the officer’s recommendation for approval. The agent also commented that the applicant had worked hard with officers to address the massing and density issues and had also worked hard to address the need for affordable housing and that the proposal offered more affordable provision than what was required. The agent concluded by commenting that the proposal was an exciting opportunity on an under utilised brownfield site which was also offering commercial and healthcare provision.

With its agreement Councillors Viddy Persaud and Robert Benham addressed the Committee.

Councillor Persaud commented that she was opposed to the proposal as it represented an over development of the site which would impact on future residents amenity. Councillor Persaud concluded by commenting that the site would become a congested area which would impact on visitors to the Queen’s Hospital.

Councillor Benham commented that although the Council needed to provide more housing it should not be provided at all costs and that the borough had a greater need for three and four bedroom provision. Councillor Benham also commented that the design of the proposal was cramped and due to extra vehicular travel on the site already poor air quality would be made worse. Councillor Benham concluded by commenting that there appeared to be a lack of affordable housing and that he was surprised the Highway’s officers had not submitted an objection as the site was already congested by hospital visitors both by car and bus.

During the debate Members sought and received clarification on a number of points including traffic impact on the roundabout at Rom Valley Way and Oldchurch Road, noise assessment on helicopters using the helipad at the Queen’s Hospital and transport assessments on the area.

Members considered the report noting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 371