Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer (CPO) in respect of alterations to shopfronts and installation of 2 ATMs at 117-121 Bishopsgate.

The CPO introduced the application and advised that further representations from Historic England and the Conservation Area Advisory Committee had been received. The CPO also explained that some additional information had been received and an Addendum Report was tabled setting this out. Members were given the opportunity to read the further representations and Addendum Report.

The CPO reported that officers considered that the unsympathetic alterations to the shopfront, incorporating substantial elements of glazing and removing the attractive architectural features of the stallrisers, pilasters and transoms and installation of large, open, glazing, the proposed shopfront would detract from the appearance of the two buildings and thereby the character and appearance of the Bishopsgate Conservation Area and the setting of St Botolph's Church and the former Great Eastern Hotel.

Mr Calum Ewing was heard on behalf of the applicant, Metrobank.

Several Members expressed concern that the application was not in keeping with the surrounding area and did not respect the differing character of the adjacent historic buildings. Also despite detailed pre-application discussions and further negotiations, the applicant had chosen not to amend their design.

Other members were in support of the application and suggested that the CoL should look towards combining the old with the new, accept that modern buildings could provide contrast next to the historic ones, and welcome a dynamic new use of value to local workers and residents .

Arising from the discussion, the application was put to the vote, the result of which was as follows:-

·         14 votes in favour of the CPO recommendation.

·         6 votes against

RESOLVED – That the planning applications be refused on the grounds as set out in the report.

REASON FOR REFUSAL

Due to the unsympathetic alterations to the shopfront, incorporating substantial elements of glazing and removing the attractive architectural features of the stallrisers, pilasters and transoms and installation of large, open, glazing, the proposed  shopfront would detract from the appearance of the two buildings and thereby the character and appearance of the Bishopsgate Conservation Area and the setting of St Botolph's Church (grade II*) and the former Great Eastern Hotel (grade II), contrary to London Plan Policies 7.6 and 7.8, Local Plan Policies CS 10, CS 12, DM 10.1, DM 10.5, DM 12.1, DM 12.2 and DM 12.3 and polices contained in the National Planning Policy Framework.