Group Discussion: Prior Approval Case

During the webinar the class was split into break out rooms to discuss a prior approval case. We had to reflect on the potential issues and the impact on different stakeholders.

Below are the drawings we were given to analyse the case.

Points that were brought up in discussion:

- Current residents are concerned about an increase of traffic. Claiming that more people means more vehicles.

- Proposal does not include additional parking.

- Justified by the site being within reach of public transport

- On-street parking available

- In line with maximum parking standards

- However, some developers want to be below parking standards due to sustainability

- Cycle stores have been added

- 295 documents on Planning Portal which include many complaints

- One complaint pointed out that the building growing 14m in height would mean that it's the tallest building in the area.

- Increase in number of floors means potential overlooking issues

- The roof plan is unchanged in the proposal

- The first three floors have more windows than the proposed new floors (see North elevation)

- Possible effects on natural light in the new flats

- Not clear from the drawings provided where fire escapes will be placed

- Questions on accessibility of additional floors - will a lift be provided?

- Residents were not consulted

- Creates feeling of powerlessness

- Raises issues to do with leaseholder rights