Issue - meetings

The report before Members detailed an application for the construction of a Lidl food store with associated car parking at 31 High Street, Hornchurch.

The proposal was for the construction of an A1 food store within Hornchurch town centre. Planning permission had previously been granted to demolish the former bingo hall building which currently occupied the site.  

The report informed Members that the development raised considerations in relation to the vitality and viability of the town centre, the impact on the character and appearance of the streetscene, the impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring residents, the suitability of the proposed parking and access arrangements, and the implications for the surrounding highway network.

It was noted that on balance the proposal was considered to be acceptable in all material respects subject to conditions and the applicant entering into a Section 106 Agreement.

During a brief debate Members raised concern on the traffic arrangements further to no objection from Highways. The Committee took the view that a traffic management scheme would be required as they were concerned with traffic flow and were of the opinion that right from the site should be restricted. Members also sought clarification on the percentage of disable parking spaces that would be provided.

Following the discussion, it was RESOLVED that consideration of the report be deferred to allow staff to take up with the applicant and LBH Highways the following:

-       Concise summary of main TIA conclusions, especially the anticipated impact on traffic movement within High Street not just in the immediate vicinity of the access but more widely including the effect on other junctions/traffic light queuing and concerns about gridlock, together with detailed comment from Council’s Highway Engineer on the traffic flow along High Street and impact of the development.

-       Consideration of additional design/signage measures to reduce risk of traffic congestion related to the site entrance/exit including, for example, left turn in/out only.

-       Clarify if the provision of on-site disabled parking accord with London Plan?

-       Additional condition preventing any access being formed from the site to/from Fairkytes Avenue to the rear without permission from the Council.

-       Extend restricted on-site parking period from one to two hours unless there was a car park capacity reason behind this restriction in which case explain fully.

-       Clarify for what and where the highway crossing contribution is to be used.