The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee considered two planning applications, unanimously supporting one and objecting to the other. The committee also discussed issues regarding the referencing of their input in planning decisions and received updates on ongoing and future applications.

Applications Considered

The committee reviewed two planning applications, providing comments and recommendations to the relevant planning officers.

Emmanuel School, Battersea Rise, SW11 1HS

The committee unanimously supported the proposal for alterations at Emmanuel School, including the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a new four-storey science and dining building. The current buildings to be demolished were constructed in the 1960s and housed offices and a technology workshop. The existing kitchen in the main, locally listed building, dating from the 1860s, was deemed undersized and unfit for purpose. The new building, described as being in keeping with the aesthetics of the main building, will be four-storeys high with a larger footprint, constructed from brick, terracotta, and metal. It will house science laboratories, a new refectory, and kitchens. A lime tree will be removed, but enhanced replanting is planned to recreate a former avenue of trees. While seven local residents objected due to loss of sunlight, approximately 100 positive responses were received.

179 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4LR

The committee unanimously objected to the proposed development at 179 Battersea Park Road. The property, along with its adjoining building, are prominent corner buildings constructed in 1864, designed by James Knowles as part of the intended Park Town Estate. The proposal includes rear, side, and roof extensions, an infill extension at third floor level, a mansard roof extension at fourth floor level, and a five-storey infill extension within the rear courtyard. It also involves reconfiguring existing residential units and reconfiguring ground and lower ground floors for communal storage, a bike store, and a bin store, with a reduction in the size of the ground floor retail unit.

Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed plans and the potential loss of key features and symmetry with the adjoining property at the front. The rear extension would double the building's footprint. While the rear elevation is not intended to be visible from the street, the committee felt the mansard roof extension and additional storey would negatively impact the visual aesthetic of the buildings and detract from similar properties within the conservation area. The proposal also includes the loss of a distinctive chimney stack. Although a small amenity space is proposed at lower ground level, there are no balconies or terraces.

Procedural Matters and Updates

The committee discussed concerns regarding the referencing of their input in planning decisions. It was noted that for application 2023/3544 at 86 Princes Way, London, SW19 6HX, the committee had supported the proposal with conditions, yet the reasons for refusal did not reference their input. The Conservation and Urban Design Officer stated they would investigate why the committee's input was not included in the final report. It was clarified that not all applications within conservation areas considered by the committee are automatically presented to the Planning Applications Committee (PAC); only those deemed of most significance, depending on their nature, are presented to the PAC.

The committee also received updates on several ongoing and future applications:

• Furzedown Lodge: The state of the property has deteriorated, and officers reported there was nothing new to report, though the Properties Manager was pursuing the lease and maintaining oversight.
• 86 Princes Way, London, SW19 6HX: This application was discussed by the committee, but the decision to refuse it was made via delegated powers, not at the PAC.
• 108 Battersea Park Road: This application is live, and officers are pursuing the matter, with no further details available at this stage.
• Glassmill Building: The proposal is at the scoping opinion stage of the pre-application process, with only an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Opinion submitted.
• Fitzhugh Estate: This proposal is in the pre-application stage, involving public engagement and the Housing Department. No heritage impact has been reported, and if timings allow, it will be brought to the next CHAC meeting.
• Pear Tree Café, Battersea Park: Ms Frances Radcliffe requested that a forthcoming planning application for new toilets and a barbeque hatch at the Pear Tree Café be brought to the committee. The Principal Conservation and Urban Design Officer will investigate if this can be presented at the February meeting.

The committee also agreed to a minor correction to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 28th November 2023, clarifying that application 2023/3261: Waterfall House, 223 Tooting High Street, SW17 0TD, was a live application, not withdrawn as previously reported.