6/23 Planning & Conservation Report

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PLANNING AND CAAC

Planning applications

Lynton Grange, Fortis Green  (HGY/2022/4411)–application to demolish the garages behind the block of flats and build five two storey houses.   The Council’s conservation officer has raised some very interesting points. I have therefore submitted a comment on the application to say that the concerns raised by residents who feel they would be adversely affected by the development and the conservation officer’s  points should be thoroughly addressed before a decision is made.

Former Barclays Bank. (HGY/2023/1177) An application has been submitted by Oliver Bonas to make changes to all three frontages.   The main thing to note is that the windows will become full height with aluminium frames   The entrance will be in the same place as previously. The blocked in doorway at the thin edge of this wedge shaped building will be opened up but as a window rather than door which was how the premises were apparently originally set out.

Purpose build bank premises are notoriously difficult to re-purpose, especially for retail. In my opinion what is being proposed is acceptable with one proviso.  I do not see why it is necessary to have “Oliver Bonas” signage on the smallest of the three frontages –Barclays  didn’t.  The fact that Oliver Bonas are taking on these premises is a vote of confidence in our town centre for retails purposes. (I assume they will vacate their existing premises in the Broadway if this proposal receives permission).

Commercial premises.  New restaurants include La Rotonda and a recent closure is Hedgehog.

ALEXANDRA PALACE AND PARK

Meetings of the various committees on which the the Association is represented wre held on 20 April mainly to discuss the future arrangements for these fora including the frequency of meetings.  The evening was also effectively the first of a new initiative -an annual meeting with a look back and perhaps more importantly looking forward to the following year.  There was an excellent presentation from the chief executive and her management team.

 A few headlines from the meetings:

  • APP continues to be a very popular attraction.  Sources of funding seem to be actively pursued.
  • Still no date announced for the start of compulsory car parking charges.
  • There is an area of uncertainty for APP which is shared by all large live music venues – namely whether the Inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing will make recommendations e.g. for modifications to the premises which have a major financial implication. 
  • Drainage remedial works at the bottom of Muswell Hill. As was feared the way in which the works are being executed is causing concern to the palace and traders e.g. the garden centre. For example the closure of Alexandra Palace Way in intermittent and some of the signs advising of the next closure have not been clear and have contained spelling errors.

The next meetings are scheduled to be held on 14 September.