The Local Development Committee of Newham Council was scheduled to discuss a planning application for a change of use at 392 Romford Road, Forest Gate. The meeting's agenda also included the confirmation of previous minutes and the management of the meeting's business.

Determining Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to be reminded of the legal framework for determining planning applications. This includes the requirement to consider the development plan and any other material considerations. The report pack noted that:

When determining planning applications, by law, Members must have regard to the provisions of the development plan and to any other material considerations and must determine the application in accordance with the plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

392 Romford Road, Forest Gate, London E7 8DF

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed change of use of a nightclub (Class Sui Generis) to an 11-room bed and breakfast accommodation (Class C1). The application also included plans for extensions to the rear and side, the addition of a second floor, and alterations to the building's elevations. The recommendation within the report pack was for refusal.

The report detailed that the site, located in the Green Street East ward, had a history of previous planning applications deemed inappropriate. The proposed development was considered to have a detrimental impact on the council's regeneration initiatives, the character of the building, the streetscape, and the amenity of adjoining residents. Concerns were raised about it being an overdevelopment of the site, resulting in sub-standard accommodation, a loss of natural light and privacy for neighbours, and insufficient on-site car parking. Furthermore, the proposal was noted as potentially restricting use to able-bodied persons, failing to meet accessibility standards.

The report highlighted that Romford Road is designated as a Quality Movement Corridor and Linear Gateway under the council's Core Strategy. The proposed development was considered contrary to various policies within the Newham Core Strategy and The London Plan, including those relating to spatial strategy, urban design, sustainable transport, and town centre hierarchy.

Next Meeting

The date for the next meeting was scheduled for 19 March 2012.