Agenda and minutes

Venue: Livery Hall - Guildhall

Contact: Joseph Anstee (temporary cover)
tel. no.: 020 7332 1480  Email: joseph.anstee@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Christopher Hayward (Chairman), Peter Dunphy, Deputy Jamie Ingham Clark, Oliver Lodge, Andrew Mayer, Deputy Henry Pollard, Oliver Sells, and Graeme Smith.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Members' Declarations under the Code of Conduct in respect of items on the agenda

Minutes:

Susan Pearson declared a pecuniary interest in Items 7 and 8, and confirmed she had been granted dispensation to speak on this item.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 89 KB

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 26 July 2018.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 3.

Minutes:

Members noted that a number of outstanding references needed to be updated, including that on wind measurements for tall buildings which had been discussed at the previous meeting. A report would be brought to the November meeting of the Committee.

 

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 26 July 2018 be agreed as a correct record.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Delegated Decisions of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director pdf icon PDF 191 KB

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 4.

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director in respect of development and advertising applications determined by the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director or those so authorised under their delegated powers since the last meeting.

 

A Member confirmed that officers had circulated information on Communication Totems as requested at the last meeting, and that they had noted the volume of applications of this nature that were coming in. A Member added that this was an issue in Westminster, and that these applications were slowing down the appeal system as they were always appealed when refused.

 

The Director of the Built Environment responded that this was an issue across London and was recognised as such. The City of London Corporation had been successful with appeals, winning around 90% of them. A Member suggested that if a number of boroughs had concerns, the issue could be raised at a London Councils meeting.

 

In response to a query from a Member, the Director of the Built Environment confirmed that the lift would remain in place after the work on John Wesley Highwalk was completed.

 

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Valid applications list for committee pdf icon PDF 59 KB

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 5.

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director detailing valid development applications received by the Department of the Built Environment since the last meeting.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Public Lift Report pdf icon PDF 91 KB

Report of the City Surveyor

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the City Surveyor providing an update in respect of the status of public lifts and escalators in the City. The City Surveyor advised the Committee that since the publication of the report, the lift on Pilgrim Street was back in service, and all the lifts on the list were currently working.

 

A Member pointed out that it had previously been suggested that a system be developed to alert people to lift faults in advance, so that they found out before travelling to use the lift, and asked if there had been any progress in developing this system. The City Surveyor responded that details of faults were posted on the Corporation website. A provider for a real-time information service had been sourced and officers were looking at this in detail. It was hoped that this could be progressed in the next few months.

 

In response to a query from a Member, the City Surveyor confirmed that the Corporation was responsible for the lift at Blackfriars Bridge. The lift had frequent problems with vandalism, but more robust measures to protect it had been put in place.

 

Members felt that more thought about how to communicate with service users was needed as pedestrians were unlikely to look at the Corporation website for lift updates. Members suggested making more use of social media or including alerts on the Transport for London (TfL) website as part of the Journey Planner function, and asked for a report to be brought back to Committee.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Golden Lane Community Centre pdf icon PDF 622 KB

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director seeking planning permission for the change of use of part ground floor from community centre (class D1) to a mix of community centre and estate office use (sui generis). No physical alterations were proposed as part of the application.

 

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director introduced the application to Members and presented the officer’s report, informing the Committee about the details of the scheme and its wider implications. The application was recommended for approval, in accordance with the details set out in the schedule attached to the report.

 

Tim Godsmark, on behalf of the Golden Lane Residents Association, addressed the Committee in objection to the application. The residents did not feel that the estate office should be moved, and only 22% supported the move. The move would take away community centre and community-use office space. The application would contravene Policy DM22.1 as there was no proposal in the application to replace the communal and recreational space lost. The application also did not evidence a lack of need or an options appraisal, and underuse of the facilities had not been demonstrated.

 

The space was too small for the intended use in the application, and could not fit all the parties proposed to use it. The hotdesking system suggested would result in extra staff hanging around the estate and there would be a reduction in access to the space for residents. Other feasible areas in the estate had not been considered for the move, and there had been a lack of trust in the process so far. Residents were concerned that this move would be the thin end of a wedge. The Committee was urged to refuse the application, on the basis that evidence that alternatives had

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Great Arthur House, Golden Lane Estate, London EC1Y 0RE pdf icon PDF 644 KB

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered two reports of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director, seeking approval for planning permission, and listed building consent, to convert part of the ground floor to three flats (one, one bedroom and two, two bedroom) that would be let on a social rent basis.

 

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director introduced the application to Members and presented the officer’s report, informing the Committee about the details of the scheme and its wider implications. The Committee was advised that Historic England had confirmed that they were not required to be consulted on the application. Officers also wanted to add a condition that an electric vehicle charging point must be provided alongside the disabled car parking bay.

 

The facilities that would be lost by approving the applications would be mitigated by the approval of the Golden Lane Community Centre application, as it provided replacement facilities in accordance with Policy DM22.1. Both applications were recommended for approval in accordance with the details set out in the schedule attached to the report.

 

Tim Godsmark, on behalf of the Golden Lane Residents Association, addressed the Committee in objection to the scheme. Whilst residents were not opposed to social housing, the scheme was fundamentally flawed, unsafe and unworkable, with substandard accommodation. The units had rooms backing on to the car park, and the main pedestrian routes which would expose the occupants to noise and exhaust fumes, and inhibit their privacy, with further implications for security. The design of the units also raised issues with regards refuse disposal, fire safety and escape routes.

 

It was rumoured that one unit was to be commercially rented for respite care. This was an arrangement already in place in two other City social housing units and was not appropriate. This would also represent a different

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Dockless Cycle Hire Review pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 9.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment, proposing that the current policy on dockless cycle hire be continued until the City of London Transport Strategy is adopted early next year, at which point the policy will be reviewed and updated. The report also proposed adopting additional measures to improve the management of dockless cycle hire, including Street Environment Officers proactively removing bikes in accordance with the City of London Corporation’s Street Obstruction Policy.

 

The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report, acknowledging the increase in the use of dockless bikes, and advising that the Street Obstructions Policy would be brought back before Members for review, having last been agreed in 2014. The legal advice given was that the Corporation could not stop dockless cycle hire operators from operating within the City, but could enforce on obstructions. Officers would continue to review and try to enhance these powers and continue to work with operators. On balance, it was believed the dockless cycles provided an amenity and would feature in the upcoming Transport Strategy. However, the Corporation could be more proactive about tackling obstructions.

 

Officers were taking the issue seriously, and felt more time was needed to work with operators, continue to look at what was happening in other areas, and gather more data about the extent of any problems.

 

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee approve:

 

a)    The continuation of the current dockless cycle hire policy until the Transport Strategy is adopted and the policy updated accordingly;

 

b)    The adoption of additional management measures for dockless cycle hire operations during this period; and

 

c)    Support to London Councils in their review of the potential for a London-wide byelaw to regulate dockless cycle hire.

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Tudor Street/New Bridge Street - Update Report pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

(To be read in conjunction with the non-public appendix at Item 22)

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Minutes:

The item was withdrawn.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Adoption of the City Lighting Strategy pdf icon PDF 93 KB

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment seeking approval for the adoption of the revised City Lighting Strategy and informing Members of the results of public consultation and the subsequent revisions to the document.

 

The Director of the Built Environment reiterated the objectives of the strategy and advised Members that it should be seen as an opportunity. There would be an emphasis on linking the strategy with the planning process as this had been a consistent feature in consultation feedback, and officers were looking at producing a guidance note for developers to this end. The rollout of LED lights was currently in progress. The proposals were seen as ground-breaking and the City was being praised for its approach.

 

A Member advised officers that there was a row of street lights by St. Giles that were permanently on. The issue had been reported. The Director of the Built Environment responded that an old system was still in place in the area and the control system was currently being changed.

 

A Member praised the strategy which made it easy to alter levels of light and boasted incredible possibilities.

 

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee:

 

a)    Approve the proposed amendments to the City Lighting Strategy document set out in Appendix 2;

 

b)    Endorse the City Lighting Strategy for onward approval by the Court of Common Council; and

 

c)    Approve the development of a Planning guidance document on lighting, as suggested in the Strategy’s recommendations.

 

At this point, the Chairman sought approval from Committee Members to continue the meeting beyond two hours from the appointed time for the start of the meeting, in accordance with Standing Order 40, and this was agreed.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Culture Mile Look and Feel Strategy pdf icon PDF 97 KB

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment seeking approval for the adoption of the Culture Mile Look and Feel Strategy and to inform Members of the results of the public consultation and the subsequent revisions to the Strategy. The strategy would also be referred to the Court of Common Council for approval.

 

The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report. The draft strategy had previously been submitted to Members, and there had been plenty of consultation and engagement since this point. There had been a well-attended briefing for Members in the previous week. The Look and Feel strategy supported the aims of the Culture Mile Strategy and built on previous work.

 

A Member suggested the strategy could do more to bring out vision and ambition, particularly with regards to Smithfield Market. The Corporation should be ambitious in what it aimed for given the importance of the site. A Member added that the strategy could be spread beyond the Culture Mile to encourage more walking around the City, and the name could even be changed to the Culture Square Mile. The strategy was supported but officers should be working with Highways to consider options for Beech Street, given the pollution issues. The Director of the Built Environment responded that this was in progress and there was reference to air quality in the strategy, which was critical for its success.

 

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee adopt the Culture Mile Look and Feel Strategy, the Detailed Delivery Plan and Evidence Base document.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

West Smithfield and Charterhouse Street (Thameslink) Bridges Remedial Works pdf icon PDF 162 KB

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment relating to essential structural maintenance and repairs at two highway structures over the Thameslink railway near Smithfield Market.

 

A Member stated that this issue had been raised before and it was pleasing that the report was also being presented to the Corporate Asset Sub-Committee. It was important to understand that the costs given were indicative and may escalate.

 

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee agree that:

 

a)    Option 2 from the Options Appraisal Table is approved (i.e. full programme of works identified to both bridges);

 

b)    The project budget of £684,000 is approved (inclusive of £100,000 risk allowance);

 

c)    Currently approved Cyclical Works Programme (CWP) funding of £230,000 is transferred to this project and managed under the Gateway project procedures;

 

d)    Additional funding of £323,000 from the Additional Capital Funds for City Fund Properties Programme (as approved by RASC 18th January 2018) is allocated to the project & managed under the Gateway project procedures; and

 

e)    Additional funding of £131,000 from savings in the 2016/17 Additional Works Programme (AWP) is allocated to the project and managed under the Gateway project procedures.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

City Fund Highway Declaration - Shoe Lane & Stonecutter Street, EC4 pdf icon PDF 194 KB

Report of the City Surveyor

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the City Surveyor, seeking approval to declare a volume of airspace situated above 1,634 ft2 (151.80 m2) of City Fund highway land at Shoe Lane and Stonecutter Street, EC4 to be surplus to highway requirements to allow its disposal in conjunction with the permitted development scheme at Shoe Lane and Plumtree Court, EC4.

 

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee declare a volume of City Fund highway land above an area of highway measuring 1,634 ft2 (151.80 m2) situated in Shoe Lane and Farringdon Street, EC4 to be surplus to highway requirements to enable its disposal upon terms to be approved by the Corporate Asset Sub Committee and subject to the City Corporation retaining ownership of the highway and the continuing highway functions.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

City Fund Highway Declaration - 42/44 Bishopsgate, EC2 pdf icon PDF 727 KB

Report of the City Surveyor

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the City Surveyor seeking approval to declare a volume of City Fund airspace above an area of highway at Great St Helens, EC2 to be surplus to highway requirements to allow its disposal in conjunction with the development scheme at 22 Bishopsgate, EC2.

 

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee declare a volume of City Fund airspace above the highway at Great St Helen’s EC2 measuring 43ft2 (3.97m2) and between datum levels to be determined by the City Surveyor to be surplus to highway requirements which will preserve the highway stratum and the continuing highway functions therein to enable its disposal upon terms to be approved by the Corporate Asset Sub Committee.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

Department of the Built Environment Risk Management - Quarterly Report pdf icon PDF 84 KB

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 16.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment, providing the Committee with assurance that risk management procedures in place within the Department of the Built Environment are satisfactory and that they meet the requirements of the corporate Risk Management Framework. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and advised the Committee of the key points.

 

A Member advised that the risk relating to the Lord Mayor’s Fireworks should be put back on the register for 2019 as it may be reintroduced in future years.

 

With regards to the risk on road safety, a Member commented that the reputational damage to the City was trivial compared to the impact on the victims of accidents and their families, and the current wording implied that the City was more concerned about its reputation than safety. The Director of the Built Environment responded that as there would always be casualties, presenting the risk differently would mean it always carried the top rating. A Member added that Bank Junction was not the only concern with regards to road safety as Ludgate Circus was also problematic and should be captured on the risk register. The Director of the Built Environment advised the Committee that Road Safety would be the subject of an upcoming deep dive by the Audit & Risk Management Committee.

 

In response to a query from a Member, the Director of the Built Environment advised that the risk relating to staff retention was being considered as part of another risk.

 

A Member requested that a briefing session be arranged for Members on the final version of the National Policy Planning Framework, which had been released in July.

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Report of Action Taken pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Report of the Town Clerk

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 17.

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk advising Members of action taken by the Town Clerk since the last meeting of the Committee, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, in accordance with Standing Order Nos. 41(a) and 41(b).

 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Outstanding References pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Report of the Town Clerk

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Minutes:

The Committee received a list of outstanding references. The Committee noted that the item on Ludgate Circus needed to be updated. The Director of the Built environment advised that the cleansing team had done a site visit of Blackfriars Bridge Underpass and work was ongoing. A Member thanked officers for the work done so far, and advised that the underpass had been redecorated and there was visible improvement, but more overhead lights needed to be replaced, and the gullies at the side should be treated for sewage. Whilst a deep clean may be expensive, the costs should be considered.

 

RESOLVED – That the list of outstanding references be noted, and should be updated ahead of the next Committee meeting.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

19.

Questions on matters relating to the work of the committee

Minutes:

A Member asked whether the Chairman was planning to invite representatives of City Residents Associations to the Committee dinner later that year. The Deputy Chairman, in the Chair, advised that this would be passed on for the Chairman to consider.

 

A Member asked for an update on the plans for Queenhithe Riverside Walkway. The Chief Planning Officer responded that officers would take this away and circulate a full response to Committee Members.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

20.

Any other Business that the Chairman considers urgent

Minutes:

The Committee was advised that the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee had requested that the Planning & Transportation Committee amend its composition to enable the Sub-Committee to invite the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee to nominate one Member to the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee, in order to ensure the Sub-Committee’s deliberations were tied in with pollution issues in the City.

 

RESOLVED – That the composition of the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee be amended accordingly, and that the Port Health & Environmental Services Committee be invited to nominate one Member to the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

21.

Exclusion of the Public

MOTION – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 21.

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

 

Item No.                                            Exempt Paragraphs

22 – 23                                                           3

24 – 25                                                           -

                                                           

 

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

22.

Non-Public Appendix: Tudor Street/New Bridge Street - Update Report

To be read in conjunction with the report at Item 10.

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

Minutes:

The item was withdrawn.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

23.

London Bridge Staircase

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

 ...  view the full agenda text for item 23.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

24.

Non-Public questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee

Minutes:

There were no questions.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

25.

Any other business that the Chairman considers urgent and which the committee agrees should be considered whilst the public are excluded

Minutes:

There was no other business.

 ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.