Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Peter Dunphy, Alderman Gregory Jones, Oliver Lodge and Oliver Sells.

Susan Pearson declared that the Standards Committee considered that she had a pecuniary interest in Item 10 and confirmed that she had been given dispensation to speak, but had not been given dispensation to vote.

Alderman Prem Goyal declared a personal interest in Item 8 by virtue of holding a tenancy in Farringdon Within.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 18 December 2018.

With regard to the minute for item 7, on page 5, a Member clarified that the public lift report contained details of lifts that were in service less than 95% of the time, rather than out of service, and the minute should be corrected to reflect this.

MATTERS ARISING

The Chairman noted that there was no public lift report on the agenda for today’s meeting and asked officers whether this was because no public lifts had been in service for less than 95% of the time. A Member responded that they did not think this was the case as they had noticed that the public lifts on High Walk at London Wall Place, and on Silk Street, had been out of service.

The Chairman reminded officers that the Committee wanted to receive reports whenever lifts had been out of service and asked that this be communicated to the City Surveyor.

RESOLVED – That, pending the above correction, the minutes of the meeting on 18 December 2018 be agreed a correct record.

To receive the draft minutes of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee meeting held on 4 December 2018.

The draft public minutes and summary of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee meeting on 4 December 2018 were received.

Several Members reported their experiences of the ongoing issues with dockless bikes obstructing the pavements, most notably in the ward of Aldersgate and at the Museum of London roundabout. Members had contacted officers to report issues and reiterated the need to be diligent in preventing highway obstructions.

The Chairman advised the Committee that the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee raised the matter at each meeting, and asked officers to take note of the comments from Members.

RESOLVED – That the minutes be received.

To consider a resolution of the Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee.

The Committee considered a resolution of the Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee regarding Finsbury Circus – Closure of Highway to Vehicle Access. The resolution stated that given the section of highway between Finsbury Circus and Moorgate had been closed for over six years due to Crossrail, and in light of the delay to the opening of Crossrail until 2020 at the earliest, it was the view of the Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee that the section of highway should remain closed to vehicles once Crossrail had vacated Finsbury Circus, to provide some pedestrian amenity.

The Director of the Built Environment advised the Committee that officers were content to begin the legal processes  to action this, subject to the legal  requirements, and that the matter would be brought back to Committee.

The Chairman advised that similar representations to this had been made in the past, and that this represented a good opportunity to consider creating public realm. A Member added that the proposal should be adequately scrutinised and that a report should also be submitted to the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee note the resolution from the Open Spaces & City Gardens Committee and agree that the matter should be taken forward, with reports on the proposal to be brought back to Committee.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk advising Members of action taken by the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman since the last meeting of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order Nos. 41(a) and 41(b). This action related to the City Corporation’s response to MHCLG Consultation on Planning Reform: Supporting the High Street and Increasing the Delivery of New Homes.

RESOLVED – That, Members note the report.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

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

A Member suggested that going forward the table be presented in ward alphabetical order, as this is easier for Members to read. The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director responded that officers would look into presenting the report in this manner.

RECEIVED.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

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

RECEIVED.

Report of the City Surveyor.

The Committee considered a report of the City Surveyor seeking approval to declare a volume of City Fund airspace above 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.

In response to a query from a Member, the City Surveyor advised that these decisions were part of a transaction which involved the grant of an interest. The monetary aspect of any decisions like this were reported to the Corporate Asset Sub-Committee for decision.

The City Surveyor advised that a colour version of the plan on page 71 would be circulated to the Committee via email as the printed version was unclear.

RESOLVED – That Members:

·         Declare a volume of City Fund airspace above highway at Great St Helen’s, EC2 measuring 3 ft² (0.32m²) 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; and

·         Resolve that part of the parcels of airspace over City Fund highway at Great St Helens, EC2 measuring 54 ft² (5.00 m²) and declared surplus by this Committee on 3 October 2017 now remain held for highway purposes.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director relative to determination of condition 5 of the planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Richard Cloudesley School site, which relates to the management and protection of trees on the site. It is proposed that on the western boundary one tree (a silver birch) is retained and four trees are removed and replaced by three 7m silver birch trees. All the affected trees are located within the London Borough of Islington and therefore regard should be had to their policies (in addition to the City’s own Local Plan policies).

The Chairman reminded Members that this was part of a previous decision of the Committee that had been called-in for determination, and that there would be speakers for and against the officer’s recommendation. There had also been other representations in addition to the registered objections which had been circulated to Members.

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director introduced the item to Members, detailing the relevant previous considerations by the Committee, and presenting the officer’s report. The recommendation was that the Committee resolve to discharge the condition, and agree that trees T1, T2, T3 and T4 may be removed subject to compliance with the details set out in Condition 5 regarding replanting.

The Chairman invited the registered objectors to address the Committee. Jacqueline Swanson and Anna Parkinson addressed the Committee in objection to the recommendation, on behalf of residents of Golden Lane and the Golden Lane Baggers allotment group, with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation.

The applicant had agreed to the condition and had previously agreed to retain the trees. Objectors had a number of issues with the options testing document produced, and it was felt that the applicant had produced no evidence that they had properly considered

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director seeking approval for the demolition of the existing buildings and construction of a building arranged over two basement levels, lower ground, upper ground and 12 upper floors plus rooftop plant to provide flexible retail, leisure and mixed retail/leisure uses (Class A1/A3/A4/D2/Sui Generis) at lower levels (Basement to 2nd floor), restaurant (Class A3) at 7th floor level and office (Class B1) at upper floor levels (3rd to 12th floor); hard and soft landscaping works; outdoor seating associated with ground level retail and other works incidental to the development. (78,020sq.m GEA).

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director drew the Committee’s attention to the tabled addendum sheet, which advised of corrections and amended conditions. The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director then introduced the application to Members and presented the officer’s report.

In the absence of any speakers, Members then debated the application. A Member stated that whilst they saw the advantage of public access and increased permeability, they were concerned about the narrowing of Finsbury Avenue. The Member felt that the provision of on site cycle parking was inadequate, with no contribution to the provision of cycle hire schemes and a lack of visitor spaces, and asked if officers would address this.

A Member commended the developers for the amount of pedestrian access proposed in the scheme. The scheme would have a positive impact at ground level.

A Member added that they were impressed with the proposal which combined a number of developing needs of the City of London. The step-free access was particularly welcome. The Member added that the Committee should press for the condition set out on page 202 suggesting a post-construction BREEAM assessment. The Member queried how the developer would comply with the requirement set

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

The Committee considered two reports of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director seeking listed building consent, and approval for the demolition of 1 Stonecutter Street and 81 Farringdon Street, and associated works to retain the Hoop and Grapes Public House; the erection of a new building constructed on the retained lower basement and basement of 1 Stonecutter Street providing ground, podium, and 13 upper stories; The use of the building for offices (Class B1) at part ground and first to thirteenth floors, retail /offices (Class B1, A1, A3) at podium level, retail at part ground floor (Class A1/A3) and associated delivery bay, cycle parking facilities, together with ancillary plant at basement and lower basement levels; the laying out of a replacement private open space, associated pavilion (Class A1/A3) and enclosure, along with hard and soft landscaping; and the erection of a screen to be attached to the south west flank of the Hoop and Grapes Public House to be planted to provide a green wall, along with the enclosure of the yard to the rear of the Public House with an access to the new open space for means of escape purposes (33,528sq.m GIA).

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director advising Members of the decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate on appeals against the decisions of the City Corporation since the last such report on 29^th January 2018.

Members asked several questions about the report, including whether the Corporation had the right to appeal against Inspectorate decisions, whether officers felt the decisions not in the Corporation’s favour were consistent within the framework of other decisions, whether costs were sought over the numerous failed appeals and whether any measures could be taken to reduce the prospect of appeals being allowed.

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director responded to the points raised by Members. It was difficult to comment on the consistency of decisions made by individual inspectors using common guidance. However, Inspectorate decisions were mostly consistent with the original decision. A legal challenge was the only way to contest an Inspectorate decision and this had not been done. Officers had not sought costs on the numerous failed appeals relating to advertising hoardings.

A Member said that they were surprised the appeal relating to 35 Fenchurch Street had been allowed, as there were several structures nearby already and the area was heavily congested. A Member added that they agreed and felt the fact that the area was already heavily congested was surely grounds for challenging the decision. A Member said that as decisions were made by individual inspectors, occasional outliers were to be expected.

The Chairman advised officers should be prepared to challenge decisions and try to claim costs where possible.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Built Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment updating Members on the short, medium and long-term strategies approved in the last major report on public off-street car parking in November 2018.

The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and outlined the key points for Members. The report set out how officers were addressing issues around off-street parking and car park facilities. The second of two agreed tariff increases would be implemented in April 2019 (approved in a previous report) and the new Transport Strategy provided an opportunity to address wider issues.

The Committee was advised of a significant discrepancy in residential season tickets tariffs and public car park tariffs between the City’s different car parks and that officers proposed to seek parity between the tariffs over the long term. It was also proposed to offer a discount for zero emission capable vehicles.

A Member stated that they were not happy with the report and thought that parity did not make sense. The convenience value of a car parking space below their property was why residents wanted season tickets. The Member suggested that the item be deferred so that the proposals could be looked into in more detail and in a wider context.

A Member queried why the income for the Baynard House car park was expected to drop. A Member added that he thought the thrust of the report was right, and that there was no reason why on-street provision should subsidise other provision, which should at least break even.

A Member advised the Committee that the arrangement for residential season tickets at London Wall had been agreed a number of years ago as a result of pressures on on-street parking provision.

A Member commended the strategy to utilise place and last mile logistics

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment seeking approval to restart the All Change at Bank project, align it with the changes in the corporate project management processes and governance, incorporate the corporate plan outcomes, and seeking Members guidance on the trajectory of change desired at Bank to focus the design efforts and minimise the length of the programme. The Chairman advised the Committee that the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee had considered the report and had recommended that Strategic Option 2 be taken forward.

The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and gave a short presentation setting out the project timeline to date, project objectives each strategic option for consideration and indicative timescales for the project. The recommendation was to proceed with option 2, working towards semi-pedestrian priority with areas for place activity. A report would be brought back to Committee in April. The Director of the Built Environment added that the feeling amongst Members of the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee was that option 2 should not preclude option 1, and that option 1 should continue to be the long-term aspiration for the junction. Pedestrian comfort levels could be improved at present, with significant growth expected over the next few years.

Members then debated the recommendations of the report. A Member advised the Committee that they agreed with the recommended approach, but that feedback suggested travelling westward in a taxi was currently problematic. The Member asked if strategic option 2 could accommodate a specific taxi route. The Chairman responded that he believed this could be arranged under option 2 if it was the will of Members.

A Member said that there was only one option if the junction were to be properly transformed and that was for full pedestrianisation via option 1. The Chairman responded

Report of the Director of Built Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Department of Built Environment evaluating response options to TfL’s Direct Vision Standard Consultation and proposing that the City Corporation supports firmly DVS, HGV permits, and the phased restrictions of low star rated HGVs.

RESOLVED – That Members approve the City Corporation’s response to TfL’s DVS consultation as shown in appendix 2.

Report of the Director of Built Environment.

The Committee received a short report of the Director of the Built Environment updating Members on the potential implications of Brexit for the Department of the Built Environment.

RESOLVED – That, Members note this initial report and that further update reports will be made to subsequent meetings of the Committee as appropriate.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk detailing outstanding actions since their last meeting.

Updates were provided as follows:

Ludgate Circus

The Transportation and Public Realm Director reported that the City of London Corporation had funded surveys of the junction and the findings were significant. Around 40,000 pedestrians, 18,000 vehicles and 8,500 cyclists passed through the junction every day. However, it was found that around half of the pedestrians crossed the road outside the designated crossing areas, and around 20% of cyclists crossed the junction during red or amber lights. Officers had passed on their concerns arising from the survey to TfL, and would be holding meetings with TfL to arrange quick action to mitigate the danger.

The Chairman advised that this was extremely dangerous and advised the Committee that the Deputy Chairman and Director had been active in progressing the issue. The junction was a huge risk to public safety, and it was important the Corporation pressed on TfL to take action.

Committee Tour of the Bloomberg Building

The Chairman advised the Committee that a tour was in the process of being organised.

Daylight/Sunlight Training

The Chairman advised the Committee that a training session would be scheduled in the new municipal year following the Committee’s re-appointment by the Court of Common Council.

RESOLVED – That the list of outstanding actions be noted and updated accordingly.

Illegal Street Traders on the City’s Bridges

A Member asked for a progress update in tackling the illegal street trading on and around Tower Bridge. The Committee had previously agreed funding from Bridge House Estates for a full-time licensing officer position dedicated to enforcing across the City’s bridges which are in the jurisdiction of neighbouring local authorities, and agreed that a progress report would be brought back to the Committee. However, the Member had seen little, if any, reduction in illegal street trading despite the action taken.

The Port Health and Public Protection Director  assured the Committee that officers would report back on the issue. The licensing officer position had been recruited to in November 2018 and had been given powers to enforce. There had been an issue with agreeing enforcement powers with Tower Hamlets, who were due to consider it at their meeting on 7 February 2019.

There were no additional, urgent items of business for consideration.

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.

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 the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

            Item No.                                              Paragraph(s)

              22-23                                                     3

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2018.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2018 were considered and approved as a correct record.

To receive the non-public draft minutes of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee meeting held on 4 December 2018.

The Committee received the draft, non-public minutes of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee meeting on 4 December 2018.

There were no questions in the non-public session.

There were no additional, urgent items of business for consideration in the non-public session.