The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council was scheduled to discuss a single planning application for Bryson House, located at 131 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham. This application sought a variation of conditions attached to a previous planning consent.

Bryson House, 131 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham - Section 73 Application

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a Section 73 application concerning Bryson House, 131 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham¹. This application sought to vary several conditions attached to a previous planning permission (19/00865/FUL) granted on 10 January 2020. The proposed amendments included changes to the approved plans, contamination and construction management plans, air quality, acoustic protection, hours of use, lighting, piling, flood risk assessment, materials, landscaping, travel plans, waste management, car and cycle parking, delivery and servicing plans, energy strategy, accessible dwellings, water efficiency, non-residential units, fire strategy, and boundary treatments.

Key proposed changes included:

• Increased Residential Units: An increase of 16 residential units, bringing the total to 91.
• Affordable Housing: An increase in the provision of affordable housing, with at least 32 units (35%) and 106 habitable rooms (40%) to be provided. All affordable housing would be at London Affordable Rent², replacing the previous split of social rented and shared ownership.
• Ground Floor Uses: A change from flexible B1/D1 uses to two Class E commercial units and one Class F2 community unit.
• Reconfigured Site and Layout: Changes to the site layout, internal alterations, redesigned playspace and landscaping, relocation of balconies, and the provision of an additional core.
• Parking Reduction: A reduction in car parking provision to 14 spaces, in line with current London Plan policies favouring car-lite development.
• Playspace and Public Realm: An increase in playspace provision and the creation of new public realm on the building's frontage.
• Financial Contributions: A financial contribution of £95,000 towards improvements at Old Dagenham Park³ in lieu of full on-site playspace provision.
• Community Unit: The Class F2 community unit would be offered on a 10-year peppercorn rent with assistance for fit-out and a marketing strategy focused on local operators.
• Car Club Membership: An extension of free car club membership for residents from 24 to 36 months.
• Fire Safety: The provision of an additional stairwell to comply with updated fire safety regulations.

The report pack indicated that a neighbour consultation response had been received, raising concerns about overlooking and privacy due to proposed balconies and the impact on property values. Officers' comments stated that property values were not a material planning consideration and that the proposed alterations would result in less impact on neighbouring amenity than the consented scheme. Transport for London's Spatial Planning division also provided comments regarding cycle parking, car charging, and parking space leasing, which officers noted would be addressed through updated conditions. An addendum also clarified a drafting error regarding the number of additional affordable units.

The report also detailed the extensive planning policy context, including the National Planning Policy Framework⁴, the London Plan⁵, and the emerging draft Local Plan for Barking and Dagenham. It outlined the officer's recommendation to delegate authority to the Director of Inclusive Growth to grant planning permission, subject to the finalisation of a Section 106 legal agreement and the imposition of conditions.