The meeting was scheduled to include discussions on a range of planning applications, covering proposals to build new housing and reprovide a playing pitch at Woodberry Down, as well as a new roof extension at Atrium Apartments on Felton Street. There was also scheduled discussion of a notification about the Bishopsgate Goods Yard development, which is situated mostly in the neighbouring borough of Tower Hamlets.

Land adjacent to Woodberry Down Early Years Centre

The report pack included a proposal from Berkeley Homes (North East London) Ltd for the reprovision of a playing pitch on land adjacent to Woodberry Down Early Years Centre on Springpark Drive. The report pack stated that the existing pitch is to be redeveloped during the latter phases of the Woodberry Down regeneration project, and that the new pitch would be ready for use when that work takes place.

The proposed pitch would be surfaced with artificial grass (3G). A condition was suggested, to ensure that the pitch is regularly cleaned to reduce the spread of microplastics into the surrounding area.

A condition was also suggested that the perimeter fencing should be visually transparent to maintain the open character of the site, and that it be no higher than 3 metres. It was also suggested that gates to the pitch be locked when the pitch is not in use, to deter antisocial behaviour.

The existing pitch is situated close to residential properties, and the report pack stated that the reprovisioned pitch would be at least 30 metres from habitable rooms. A Noise Impact Assessment was included, concluding that the reprovisioned pitch is expected to have a negligible impact on residents.

Atrium Apartments, 13 Felton Street

The report pack included a proposal from A. R & V Investments Limited to build a roof extension to the Atrium Apartments on Felton Street. The roof extension would contain an additional 9 flats, and internal alterations were also proposed that would reconfigure 6 of the existing flats.

The applicant stated that they intend to reclad the building in brick, and to use zinc cladding on the roof extension. They also proposed to include an array of 56 solar panels on the roof. A condition was suggested that samples of the proposed materials, including glazed bricks, be photographed on site to ensure that they are compatible with the surrounding brick buildings.

The applicant proposed that heating and hot water be provided by exhaust air source heat pumps (EASHPs). A condition was suggested requiring them to provide further details about the EASHP system and the solar panels to ensure that they perform as intended. The applicant provided an energy statement stating that they would achieve net zero carbon emissions in operation.

The applicant agreed to make a payment of £450,000 towards the provision of affordable housing elsewhere in Hackney. They also agreed that the development would be car-free, and that the existing car parking spaces be removed.

Land to the rear of 5 Filey Avenue

The report pack included a proposal from Mr Demetrious for the construction of a new one-bedroom house on land to the rear of 5 Filey Avenue.

The applicant proposed to build a two-storey building with a flat roof. The design of the building has undergone a number of revisions, including a recent revision to reduce the height of the rear elevation by 0.3m. The applicant proposed to use yellow London stock brick for the external walls, with a Flemish bond. Conditions were suggested to ensure high quality materials are used for the brickwork and windows.

The rear garden of the property at 5 Filey Avenue would be reduced in size. The report pack stated that the development would still maintain an open character and retain views to rear gardens, which are considered to be important features of the conservation area.

A Sycamore tree is situated at the rear of the neighbouring property at 3 Filey Avenue. It was stated in the report pack that this tree is in poor condition and needs to be removed.

Land known as Bishopsgate Goods Yard

The report pack included a notification from the Greater London Authority (GLA) of an application for reserved matters approval in respect of Plot 1 of the Bishopsgate Goods Yard development.

Plot 1 is located on the northern boundary of the site, and the report pack included a proposal for a new building containing office, retail, plant and ancillary space.

Concerns were raised in the report pack about the sustainability of the proposals, and it was stated that they do not go far enough in reducing embodied, operational and whole life cycle carbon emissions. It was recommended that the GLA do not approve the application until these issues are resolved.

Concerns were also raised about the design of the proposals, stating that the upper portion of the building would appear cluttered and confused.

The proposed development would be car-free, and would include a large cycle store with 780 spaces. The report pack recommended that the GLA investigate whether the cycle store is too large, and that further measures be implemented to encourage sustainable travel to the site.

Because the application has been made to the GLA, the Planning Sub-Committee was scheduled to decide whether to object to the proposals.