The Local Development Committee of Newham Council met on Monday 23 September 2024, approving one planning application and deferring a decision on another. The committee granted permission for the installation of a new fence at Clapton Football Club and the change of use of a former public house in Forest Gate to a community centre. A decision on a proposed House in Multiple Occupation and co-working space in Manor Park was approved, subject to a legal agreement.

Hudson Bay, 1-5 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, London, E7 9PA

The committee approved the change of use of the ground floor and basement of Hudson Bay from a public house (sui generis) to a multi-functional community centre (use F.2). This application affects the setting of the Forest Gate Town Centre Conservation Area. The decision was made subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and included additional conditions to limit the range of Class E uses permitted at the site and to require further details on operations and opening hours for any uses outside those already proposed.

The committee heard objections from local residents Mrs Seena Williams and Francine Benjamin, who raised concerns about the inclusivity of the proposed centre, suggesting it was primarily for the Muslim community and would not benefit wider integration. They also questioned the consultation period and the cultural value of the former pub.

Officers advised that the application was considered to fall within Use Class F.2, which encompasses community activities. They noted that the previous use as a public house had ceased in July 2023. The committee discussed the potential for introducing Class E use, which could allow for nursery and fitness classes, and requested officers to liaise with the applicant to review the description of use and identify appropriate conditions.

409 High Street North, Manor Park, London, E12 6TL

Permission was granted for the construction of a part-three, part-four storey building at 409 High Street North, Manor Park, to include a House in Multiple Occupation (Sui Generis) and a mixed-use co-working space/café (Sui Generis). This decision was delegated to the Director of Planning and Development, subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and adherence to a list of conditions.

The proposal includes 29 bedrooms for the HMO, with a maximum occupancy of 56 persons, and a 125sqm co-working space with an ancillary 22sqm café. The development aims to provide affordable accommodation and a community café.

The committee heard from Kul Sanghera, the applicant and Chair of the Green Street Trader's Association, who highlighted the scheme's potential to improve High Street North and provide affordable accommodation. He emphasised the quality of living environments, communal spaces, and the link to training opportunities offered by the adjacent Renewal Programme.

The decision was made subject to conditions including a Demolition and Construction Management Plan, land contamination investigations, an archaeological programme, and sustainable urban drainage measures. Prior to occupation, conditions related to travel plans, delivery and servicing, cycle parking, waste management, sound insulation, and zero carbon targets must be met. The legal agreement will include contributions towards transport, sustainability, and employment and skills initiatives, aiming to ensure local labour commitments and apprenticeships.

A late comment from a neighbour, Miss Luisa Bringhenti, expressed support for the design and the community café/office space, while seeking clarification on the building's use, specifically whether it was intended as a hostel or student accommodation. Officers noted the support and clarified that the co-living units would be offered on the open market for private rent with minimum three-month tenancy agreements.

Clapton Football Club, Upton Lane, Forest Gate London

Permission was granted for the proposed installation of a mesh link fence at Clapton Football Club, Upton Lane, Forest Gate. The new fence will replace the existing closed board fencing and will be 3.75m high, constructed from reinforced galvanised steel with a V-fold mesh in green. The application site affects the setting of the Grade II Listed Spotted Dog Public House.

The committee heard from Craig Nicol, LUF Project Manager, who explained that the project is part of a wider Levelling Up scheme aimed at improving walking and cycle access and supporting businesses on Upton Lane. The new fencing will enhance security, improve the visual amenity of the corridor, and allow for increased natural light.

The decision was subject to conditions including the use of matching materials, adherence to construction hours, and the implementation of landscaping. The committee noted that the proposal would not have a significant effect on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation due to its location outside the zone of influence. The heritage impact on the Grade II Listed Spotted Dog Public House was considered to be less than substantial harm, outweighed by the public benefits of improved safety and urban design.