Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies had been received from Jaspreet Hodgson, Deputy Graham Packham, Judith Pleasance, Alderwoman Susan Pearson and William Upton.

To agree the public minutes of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee meeting held on 26 January 2024.

The Sub-Committee considered the public minutes of the last meeting held on 26 January 2024 and approved them as a correct record.

Deborah Oliver declared that she sat on the Police Authority Board and would recuse herself for Agenda Item 4.

Deputy Anderson declared that he sat on the Police Authority Board. He would remain in the room but not participate in the consideration of Agenda Item 4.

Jacqui Webster and Deputy Fletcher declared interests in Agenda Item 5 and stated that they would recuse themselves for Agenda Item 5.

Deputy Fredericks declared a non-pecuniary interest in that she was a Governor at Aldgate School. She stated that she had not been a governor when the representation was sent in.

Report of the Planning & Development Director.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Planning and Development Director concerning the change of use of: (i) part basement, part ground and part first floor levels of six retail units and ancillary residential and ancillary commercial areas, to provide a police facility (sui generis) and ancillary residential parking and storage areas and facilities, and (ii) part ground and part first floor levels from gym use to community space (Class F2); and external alterations including: shopfront changes, installation of plant, erection of flue and louvre treatment, works to podium level and associated landscaping including erection of garden room, associated highways works to Gravel Lane and landscaping, installation of security measures; and associated works.

The Town Clerk referred to those papers set out within the main agenda pack as well as the Officer presentation slides and an addendum that had been separately circulated and published.

Officers presented the application, highlighting that the applicant was the City Surveyor’s department on behalf of the City of London Police. The City of London Police was the applicant and therefore a handling note had been prepared in accordance with the procedure.

Members were informed that the Middlesex Street Estate comprised 234 residential units, 3,819 square metres of retail space and a library. It also comprised a central podium and garden area for residents, residential blocks and a taller tower in the centre known as Petticoat Tower. There was also an existing police parking facility currently at basement level. An Officer stated that planning permission was sought for the change of use of part of the site from ancillary residential parking and retail units to a police facility and ancillary community uses. The Officer stated that the police use was referred to as the eastern base.

Members were shown an aerial view of the

Report of the Planning & Development Director.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Planning and Development Director concerning the retention of a change of use of the premises from the lawful permitted use as Class E(b) (restaurant) to Sui Generis (drinking establishment) use.

The Town Clerk referred to those papers set out within the main agenda pack as well as the Officer presentation slides.

Officers presented the application and stated that planning permission was being sought for the change of use of the Portsoken Pavilion located in Aldgate Square from the Class E Cafe restaurant to a drinking establishment with a substantive food offer. There were no physical works to be carried out or under consideration and the use was already in place. As such, the permission was being sought retrospectively.

The Officers highlighted that the site was located to the north of Aldgate Square, within the existing pavilion building, which was constructed as part of the wider gyratory remodelling granted planning permission by the Planning and Transportation Committee at the beginning of 2015.

Members were informed that the western edge of the square was Aldgate School and to the east was St. Botolph without Aldgate Church. Representations had been received from both the church and 15 members of the public raising concerns including the loss of the previous use, anti-social behaviour, public safety and impacts upon the community. Officers had taken the comments received into account and in response to the representations received, restrictive conditions had been agreed with the applicant to limit the hours customers would be able to spill out into the wider area. Objectors were further notified following these agreements with the applicant. Three responses were received and were detailed in the Officer report. Further responses were received from two members of the public and one from the neighbouring church.

Members were

Report of the Planning & 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Planning & Development Director.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director detailing development and advertisement 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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There were no questions.

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