Agenda item

Report of the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer, in relation to the change of use of one residential unit (Class C3) to office (Class B1).  Members noted that an identical application has been submitted to Westminster City Council.

Whilst there were no speakers in objection to the application, a late representation had been made and this was taken into account, along with other representations received from Westminster residents in respect of loss of daylight and sunlight, privacy, overlooking and an increased sense of enclosure, harm to the Strand and Temple Conservation Area, noise and disturbance during construction, removal of the existing fire escape and devaluation of nearby residential properties. 

The applicant’s agent set out the benefits of the scheme in securing the long-term future of Blackstone Chamber and the character of the Middle Temple Estate.  The applicant had worked with the local authority, heritage professionals and neighbouring residents to ensure a design which would be sensitive to heritage assets.   Furthermore, the scheme would resolve current damp and drainage issues and improve disabled access. 

Members asked a number of questions and noted that bedrooms were not afforded the same daylight protection as living rooms.  Members also noted that it would be possible to put a smaller fire escape in place. 

Debate ensued, and Members noted that the development complied with the NPPF and the Development Plan as a whole and was appropriate, subject to conditions.  In reaching their decision, Members noted that Blackstone House is an historic building, housing a leading set of Chambers and providing an extensive range of legal services. Furthermore, it is currently blighted by damp and drainage issues and its workspace is fragmented and inefficient.  Whilst some inconvenience to residents was acknowledged, Members recognised the need to balance this with the public benefit and preservation of a heritage asset.

Arising from the discussion, the application was put to the vote, with 15 voting for and 0 against.

RESOLVED, that - Planning permission be GRANTED for the above proposal.

At 11.55 am, Members agreed to suspend standing orders to conclude the business on the agenda.