Kingsland CAAC February 2017

Planning Applications for KCAAC meeting on Monday 6 February 2017

2016/4780 49-51 Balls Pond Road Hackney LONDON N1 4BW Demolition of rear extension, erection of a new two storey rear extension, erection of a two storey building to the rear, reconfiguration of existing retail unit at ground floor level including in the installation of a new shopfront and reconfiguration of existing residential dwellings to facilitate the creation of 2 x new residential units (1 x 3 bed and 1 x 2 bed) with associated internal courtyard, cycle storage, refuse storage access and other associated works (Toyin Omodara 0208 356 8095)

We object to this application. We consider that the accommodation in the two extension buildings behind the front house is cramped, and that the courtyard between the two is very small. We are concerned about the proximity of the two buildings, and the resulting decrease in quality of the living space (eg the necessity of opaque glass, high windows) in order to squeeze two residences into this space. The entrance corridor from the street is so narrow that it would be very difficult to move larger pieces of furniture into the properties at the back. Should the Planning Officer wish to grant this application, we are concerned that the Conservation Officer should be involved in this application because of the effect of the proposed extensions on the setting of the Maberly Chapel. Materials used should be of the highest quality. The multi-panelled window lights at the top of the shop front windows should all be plain. We urge the applicant to repair the original glazing bars where possible.

2016/4736 3 Buckingham Road N1 4DG Installation of rooflights on rear roof slope. (Alix Hauser 020 8356 6377)

No objection.

2016/4077 26 De Beauvoir Square N1 4LE Erection of a cycle store shed in front garden (Raymond Okot 020 8356 8080)

We do sympathise with the applicant, and would be very glad to see a coherent policy on bike storage from Hackney Council. However, we object to the proposal as it stands. The use of camouflage netting in the front garden of a Listed Building is inappropriate, and the placement of the very large shed up against the front railings, we feel, is a mistake. It would be better placed at right angles, on the right hand side of the front garden against the boundary, and shielded by more planting in the bed along the front railing. As much as possible of the paving should then be removed, leaving just a path to the bike shed.

2016/3847 35 Cremer Street Hackney LONDON E2 8HD Demolition of existing vehicle repair shop (class B2) and construction of 5-storey building with basement to provide commercial floorspace at basement, ground, first and part second floor (Use Class B1) and 3 residential units on upper floors. [Note for consultation: Proposed dwelling mix is 1 x 1-bed and 2 x 2-bed. Proposal includes a roof terrace.] (Gerard Livett 020 8356 8398)

No objection. Regarding detail we feel however that more emphasis should be allowed to the interesting bands of decorative motifs: i.e. the brick should be plain rather than mottled. We are also concerned that the brick is very dark, as the brick of the building to the west is already dark and very decorative.

2016/4464 457-459 Kingsland Road E8 4AU Extensions to rear of lower ground and ground floors to form 1 additional 1 bedroom flat, enlarge existing lower ground floor flat, enlarge existing ground floor flat, additional shared garden room, enlarge two existing rear facing windows, raise cill of 1 existing rear facing window, remove roof structure and replace with new flat roof to falls, 4 new rooflights to second floor. (Raymond Okot 020 8356 8080)

We strongly object to this application. Whereas full width ground floor extensions are usually acceptable, this contravenes planning policy in the De Beauvoir Conservation Area by proposing two full width first storey extensions. We also fail to see how the proposed plans would be able to accommodate elderly people with restricted mobility.

2016/4230 113 Tottenham Road N1 4EA Replacement of single glazed timber framed windows with double glazed timber framed windows (Raymond Okot 020 8356 8080)

We strongly object to the proposal to replace like for like, as the current 4-paned fenestration on the front elevation is not original. (Neighbouring houses with the original fenestration have 12-paned windows) We are also concerned that the proposal is to put in spiral balanced windows rather than traditional sashes, which is an inappropriate modern addition to a Conservation Area where the original box can be converted. The proposed glazing bars are also too large. Furthermore, we note that the fenestration on the rear elevation is currently very random and unattractive, and feel that this is an opportunity to regularise it.

2016/4232 140 Tottenham Road N1 4DY Replacement of single glazed timber framed windows with double glazed timber framed windows (Raymond Okot 020 8356 8080)

We object to the proposal to replace like for like, as the current 4-paned fenestration to the left of the front door is not original. (Neighbouring houses nos. 138, 142, 144 and 146 with the original fenestration have 6-paned windows) We are also concerned that the proposal is to put in spiral balanced windows rather than traditional sashes, which is an inappropriate modern addition to a Conservation Area where the original box can be converted. The proposed glazing bars are also too large.