Proposal: Demolish existing buildings and erect 5 storey building comprising of 17 self-contained flats with balconies and amenity space, 272 sq.m of commercial retail floorspace (Class A1) at ground floor level, layout landscaping, parking and install vehicular access onto Victor Drive (Amended Proposal).

Applicant: Plaistow Broadway Filling Stations
Agent: Phase 2 Planning

Resolved:

That PLANNING PERMISSION be REFUSED for the following reasons:

01 The proposal, by reason its size, mass, form and detailed design, would result in a bulky and intrusive addition to the streetscene  which harms the character and appearance of the surroundings including views of the Leigh Cliff Conservation Area and the setting of the locally listed Grand Hotel.  The development would be over scaled in the streetscene and cause material, less than substantial, harm to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area which is not outweighed by any identified public benefits including the number of additional residential units proposed. This is unacceptable and contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (2019), policies KP2 and CP4 of the Core Strategy (2007) and polices DM1, DM3 and DM5 of the Development Management Document (2015) and advice contained within the Southend Design and Townscape Guide (2009).

02 The submission does not include a formal undertaking to secure an appropriate contribution to affordable housing provision to meet the demand for such housing in the area or a contribution to secondary education despite it having been found financially viable for the development proposed to make such contributions. The proposal also has a lack of acceptable servicing arrangements which would be prejudicial to highway safety due to the failure to secure the provision of the proposed layby. The application is therefore unacceptable and contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (2019) and policies KP3 and CP8 of the Core Strategy (2007) and advice within Supplementary Planning Document 2 Planning Obligations (2015).