Objection to planning application for European Design Centre

LONDON ASSEMBLY LABOUR

Andrew Dismore AM

London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden

City Hall

The Queen’s Walk

London

SE1 2AA

13/03/2018

Objection to planning application for European Design Centre, Ref: 18/0691/FUL

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to object to the above application in my capacity as London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden.

Light impact on neighbours

This development is counter to the guidance in Barnet Residential Design Guidance in terms of Safeguarding Residential Amenity 7.1 – 7.8 which states that ‘Schemes which significantly harm the amenity of neighbouring occupiers will be refused planning permission… It is important to ensure that developments do not significantly overshadow neighbouring buildings, block daylight, reduce sunlight, or result in a loss of privacy or outlook.’ (Barnet’s Development Management DPD, para 2.7.1)

 

The height of these proposed developments will result in the near total loss of daylight and sunlight into all windows of some neighbouring properties which are north west facing, and with no secondary aspect. The submitted design proposal shows that the entire development, which includes a 13-storey tower, will result in an unacceptable loss of light to all of the habitable rooms in Mar House and Green Point, on The Hyde.

The Planning Statement for the redevelopment of the European Design Centre says that the impact on daylight is in keeping with the consented Imperial House plans. However, those plans themselves acknowledge that any single aspect rooms, in the flank wall, directly facing the site cannot be expected to achieve ideal daylight levels and that they are already below the recommended level. A similar effect would be had on Greenway Close and Portman Gardens

Density and parking impact

This application for a 13-story block is another overdensification of the site. Whilst the location may be on a main road with bus services, the likely character of the working-age occupants of the building is that they will need and use cars. Currently the provision for parking is insufficient and will have a detrimental knock on impact to neighbours and neighbouring roads.

Size, mass, bulk

The current building on site is something of an eyesore and will not be missed, however it was already at the maximum bulk, height and mass. An addition to what is already there would be even more detrimental and even larger than the oversized building next door.

Lack of Affordable Housing

The affordable housing provision here is derisory at 13 units out of 65, or 20%. It is completely unacceptable.

Conclusion

I therefore urge officers to reject this application on the above grounds.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Dismore AM

London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden

City Hall

The Queen’s Walk

London

SE1 2AA

Andrew.dismore@london.gov.uk

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