Agenda and minutes

Introductions

The Town Clerk highlighted that the meeting was being recorded as well as live streamed and would be made available on the City Corporation’s YouTube page for a period of time after the meeting had concluded. It was confirmed that all personal data would be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. The Town Clerk highlighted that, for further information on this, viewers could contact the City Corporation using the details provided on the public webpages.

Apologies for absence were received from Alderman Alexander Barr, Deputy Keith Bottomley, Anthony Fitzpatrick, Deputy John Fletcher, Martha Grekos, Natasha Lloyd-Owen, Deputy Edward Lord, Deputy Graham Packham, Judith Pleasance, Ian Seaton, Alethea Silk and William Upton.

Deputy Marianne Fredericks declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 4 by virtue of membership of the Board of Aldgate & Allhallows Foundation, which convened in the vicinity of the site.

Deputy Marianne Fredericks, Alderman Alistair King, Alderman Bronek Masojada and Deputy Sue Pearson each declared an interest in Items 5 and 6 by virtue of having previously considered the schemes as members of the Community & Children’s Services Committee. The Members advised that they would withdraw from the meeting for the consideration of these items.

To agree the draft public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 1 July 2022.

The Committee noted that Deputy Henry Pollard had been listed within the attendance twice in error.

RESOLVED – That, pending this correction, the public minutes and non-public minutes of the meeting held on Friday 1 July 2022 be agreed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

A Member advised that they had received a direct correspondence from a resident regarding the lack of re-consultation on the application in respect of 200 Aldersgate, and asked whether this had been responded to by officers.

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director advised that the correspondence in question had been processed as a late representation and that it had been addressed in the officer’s report. However, a direct response would also be provided.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director in respect of Boundary House, 7-17 Jewry Street, London EC3N 2EX – specifically, the demolition of the building and the erection of a basement, ground plus part 14 storey and part six storey building plus plant comprising of a 311 bedroom hotel with a ground floor cafe/bar and roof top restaurant (Use Class C1) and office floorspace (Use Class E) at part ground and part first floor with ancillary community uses, hard and soft landscaping, cycle parking and associated works.

The Town Clerk advised that an addendum containing late representations and an updated whole life carbon assessment, and the officer’s presentation, had been circulated to Members in advance, before outlining the Committee’s usual procedure for the consideration of planning applications.

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director then introduced the application to Members and presented the officer’s report, informing the Committee about the details of the scheme and its wider implications and outlining the reasons for the officer’s recommendation. The officer’s recommendation was that the Committee resolve to grant planning permission, in accordance with the details set out in the attached schedule.

Rudolf Ploberger, on behalf of the Ploberger Group, addressed the Committee in support of the application. The Committee was provided with an introduction to the applicant and their recent history, which since 2010 had involved a number of schemes in London converting buildings into hotels. The applicant had successfully delivered large international hotels with a focus on community hubs.

Richard Ploberger, on behalf of the Ploberger Group, also addressed the Committee in support of the application. The Committee heard that the applicant had worked with officers to create a new and different scheme focussed on creativity and culture, featuring a combined co-working space

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director in respect of Flat 347, Crescent House, Golden Lane Estate, EC1Y 0SN – specifically, the alterations to and replacement of existing single-glazed windows and framing structure for a temporary period of 2 years to sequentially test double and triple glazing options.

The Town Clerk advised that an addendum containing amendments to the report and late representations, and the officer’s presentation, had been circulated to Members in advance, before outlining the Committee’s usual procedure for the consideration of planning applications.

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director then introduced the application to Members and presented the officer’s report, informing the Committee about the details of the scheme and its wider implications and outlining the reasons for the officer’s recommendation. The officer’s recommendation was that the Committee resolve to grant planning permission, in accordance with the details set out in the attached schedule.

Jason Hayes, on behalf of the City of London Corporation, addressed the Committee in support of the application. The proposals represented a once in a lifetime opportunity to undertake a pilot project, with a planned sequence of works aimed for completion within 2 years. The scheme was important step to resolving current issues, with the existing windows around 60 years old and at the end of their serviceable life. Resident feedback suggested the existing windows contributed towards fuel poverty, poor acoustics, heat loss and solar gain, and the pilot project would seek to address these issues.

Will South, on behalf of Etude, also addressed the Committee in support of the application. The existing units at Crescent House were responsible for significant carbon emissions and needed to improve their efficiency. The proposals aimed to reduce heat loss and improve air quality and energy demand, and would provide

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director requesting listed building consent for the replacement of the existing single glazed windows to Flat 347, Crescent House.

RESOLVED - That Listed Building Consent be granted for the above proposal in accordance with the details set out in the attached schedule.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director in respect of the Middlesex Street Estate, London E1 – specifically, the installation of external horizontal and vertical pipework across the site including: five vertical risers and pipework at levels two (podium level), four and six; elements of which will be boxed in and painted to match background materials.

The Town Clerk advised that the officer’s presentation had been circulated to Members in advance, before outlining the Committee’s usual procedure for the consideration of planning applications.

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director then introduced the application to Members and presented the officer’s report, informing the Committee about the details of the scheme and its wider implications and outlining the reasons for the officer’s recommendation. The officer’s recommendation was that the Committee resolve to grant planning permission, in accordance with the details set out in the attached schedule.

Jason Hayes, on behalf of the City of London Corporation, addressed the Committee in support of the application. The proposals would facilitate heating and cold water internally, as the existing system was around 50 years old and at the end of its expected lifetime. The new system would be more efficient, save on running costs and make billing more accurate, as well as improving hygiene and reduce the risk of equipment failure.

The Chairman invited questions from the Committee of those speaking in support of the application, and there being none, then moved the Committee to debate the application. A Member commented that they understood why the scheme was being proposed, but that the scheme was hideous, and represented a poor delegation of standards. The Member added that the plans would be different elsewhere and would not be possible on the Barbican or Golden Lane Estates, and for those

Report of the Town Clerk, the Executive Director of Environment and the Comptroller and City Solicitor

To be considered in conjunction with the non-public appendix at Item 21.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk, the Executive Director of Environment and the Comptroller and City Solicitor considering how the functions of the Planning and Transportation Committee can be most effectively discharged, and recommending the establishment of a Planning Applications Sub-Committee to address the issues of (i) allowing Planning and Transportation Committee to major on strategic and policy issues; and (ii) planning application decisions on land or buildings for which Planning and Transportation Committee has responsibility. The Comptroller and City Solicitor introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points, adding that it was intended to put the matter to the Court of Common Council for consideration in September, and that the Planning Protocol would be updated if the report were agreed.

The Chairman commented that the proposals offered a chance to improve the Committee’s democratic process, ensure a direct focus on applications, and increase time for the Committee to consider strategic and policy matters. The Chairman added that the separation out of planning applications was a positive step and in accordance with the recommendations of the Lisvane Review. The proposals also aimed to prevent overburden with regards to meetings.

A Member commented that they were pleased to see the notion of panels or a regional split dropped, but queried whether the Committee’s non-application workload could be condensed into 4 quarterly meetings, given that they approximated that 93% of the Committee’s decisions were strategic or non-application decisions. The Member added that they were concerned this would be insufficient and would lead to issues such as missed consultation deadlines, so robust and transparent agenda planning would be required. The Member advised that overall they supported proposals on a trial basis, but advised that if it became apparent that more frequent Grand Committee meetings were

Report of the Executive Director of Environment

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment setting out the changes to bus routes in the City arising from two Transport for London (TfL) consultation exercises, and potential issues. The Executive Director of Environment introduced the report and advised that the report had been approved by the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee.

A Member commented that buses were the only form of accessible transport for the elderly and disabled, and the loss of any bus routes would be seriously detrimental. Another Member stated that accessible, affordable infrastructure was important for the City of London, and that the City of London Corporation should be pushing the government to provide more support for TfL. Buses should be properly funded and not cut, and the proposed changes would cause further problems later.

The Deputy Chair commented that the equality of opportunity should be provided as part of the Local Plan, and that a message should be sent to TfL that any reduction to the bus network was an issue, and that buses needed to run continuously throughout the day. The Deputy Chair added that in his view the proposals should not be progressed. A Member commented that the representations agreed by Streets & Walkways Sub Committee included objections to the removal of the 502 route, as a route between Waterloo and the City of London was key, and asked that this be added to the objections.

The Chairman advised that Members’ sentiments were being by numerous other London boroughs, and that he was clear, as the organisation’s representative on the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, that the message in respect of TfL needed to be retained and persisted with. The Executive Director of Environment added that affordability and accessibility were referenced in the proposed response, but that this could

Report of the Executive Director of Environment

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment regarding a project to carry out essential waterproofing and repair works to the highway structure, in order to maintain structural integrity, utility and asset value at London Wall Car Park.

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee:

1.    Agree that additional budget of £ 129,000 is approved for staff costs, fees and investigations, as Table 1 below, in order to reach the next Gateway;

2.    Note the revised project budget of £ 141,000 (excluding risk) up to Gateway 5, including for costs expended prior to Gateway 3/4;

3.    Note the total estimated cost of the project at £1,784,000 (excluding risk);

4.    Agree that delegated authority is given to Chief Officer to appoint the successful contractor at Gateway 5 and to instruct the Comptroller and City Solicitor to enter into contract, subject to tendered works costs remaining within the £1,600,000 estimate provided by this report (or to instruct under the new highways term contract subject to satisfactory agreement of costs and the same proviso);

5.    That a Costed Risk Provision of £25,000 is approved at this stage to cover unforeseen conditions during further investigations, to be drawn down via delegation to the Assistant Director Engineering;

6.    That a total Costed Risk Provision of £200,000 is approved for use following Gateway 5, subject to tender costs remaining within budget, for expenditure against identified sums from the project risk registers against specified risks at the construction stage and to be drawn down to the Assistant Director Engineering; and

7.    That Option 3 is approved (implementation of waterproofing, expansion joint replacement and internal structural concrete repairs).

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment providing a summary of pavement licences currently granted and outlines proposals for the continuation of the pavement licence application process until 30 September 2023. The Executive Director of Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points, also advising that there would be full consultation regarding a permanent regime.

RESOLVED – That the Planning & Transportation Committee:

1.    Agree the continuation of the streamlined reapplication process as outlined in paragraph 11 of this report;

2.    Agree the pavement licence duration period as outlined in paragraph 13 (a) of this report; and

3.    Agree the continued zero fee for all pavement licence applications as outlined in paragraph 13 (b) of this report.

Report of the Executive Director of Environment

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Environment providing an update on the London rental e-scooter trial and dockless vehicles.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director of Environment

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Environment updating the committee on the workings of the District Surveyor’s office which reports to it for the purposes of building control, engineering services for the City’s major infrastructure and to provide resilience to buildings and businesses within the square mile that maybe affected by climatic and environmental risks.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director of Environment

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Environment report providing information on the consultation strategy for the Whole Lifecycle Carbon Optioneering Planning Advice Note and setting out the consultation requirements for this type of document, as well as summarising the bespoke approach that is being taken for this Planning Advice Note.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Chamberlain, the Executive Director of Environment and the City Surveyor

The Committee received a report of the Chamberlain, the Executive Director of Environment and the City Surveyor comparing the revenue outturn for the services overseen by the Committee in 2021/22 with the final budget for the year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the City Surveyor

The Committee received a public lift report of the City Surveyor for the period 16/06/2022 – 03/07/2022.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 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.

Report of the Town Clerk

The Committee received a report of the Town Clerk setting out its list of Outstanding Actions and noted the updates provided.

RESOLVED – That the list of outstanding actions be noted.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

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                 Paragraph

22, 24                          3

23                                5

25-26                           -

To agree the draft non-public minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2022.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2022 be agreed as a correct record.

To be considered in conjunction with the report at Item 7.

The Committee considered a non-public appendix in conjunction with Item 7.

Report of the City Surveyor and the Executive Director of Environment

The Committee received a report of the City Surveyor and the Executive Director of Environment.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.