Planning update – 17th March 2022
By Sue Cox
Published in Planning and Licensing News
Application to convert Cromwell Tower podium void to residential unit
A strong sense of déjà vu can be felt as another application for the conversion of the podium level void space at Cromwell Tower has been submitted given that the time limit for previous approvals has lapsed. The current planning reference number is 22/00177/FULL and asks for permission to convert the podium level void space of Cromwell Tower “to a single residential dwelling unit..….with associated internal alterations, replacement of external glazing and alterations to the Silk Street and Podium level elevations”.
The application can be viewed on the City of London website here and the full details of what is being proposed are in the Heritage Design and Access Statement which can be seen here. The gross internal floor area of the proposed unit is expected to be 244sqm, with 5 rooms and 2 bedrooms, with building work expected to commence in Autumn 2022.
The documents confirm that full planning permission and Listed Building Consent were granted to the previous applications made in 2016 and 2018 and that this current submission is unchanged from those originally submitted “except for updates to the text in this document which have only been made where information was out of date….”
Although planning approvals have been granted for previous applications, residents should view the documents and make their feelings known on the matter if they feel otherwise. The Standard Consultation expiry date is the 4th April 2022 and any comments can be made to the City of London Planning Dept here
150 Aldersgate Street
The latest communication from Erith has indicated that the projected completion for the current scope of works on this site is 22nd April. However, we have been warned that this is subject to change (ie. delay) as further activities are being developed but as these will be mainly located to the basement and rear courtyard areas, they will hopefully not cause even more disturbance to residents.
Amazon Last Mile Logistics Hub
The minutes of the last Planning & Transportation Committee meeting indicated that the application to establish an Amazon last mile logistics hub in London Wall Car Park is due to be considered at the next Committee meeting scheduled for 26th April 2022.
Finsbury Circus Gardens “transformation” approved
Although not strictly related to planning issues relating to Barbican Estate, it may be of interest to read the recent City of London press release regarding one of our largest local green spaces. This reported that plans to turn Finsbury Circus Gardens into a “haven for people and wildlife” have been given the green light. The historic garden used to be part of London’s first public park, Moor Fields, which dates back to 1607. It is now an oval-shaped garden that was first laid out in 1815 and is reported to be home to a Japanese Pagoda tree – the only one in the City.
The designs include an ‘urban forest’ in the west of the park, skirted by a new oval-shaped pathway, whilst a new 100-capacity pavilion café, nestling in a ‘secret garden’, will boast an open frontage and terrace overlooking a lawn. The park’s Grade II-listed drinking fountain, dating back to 1902, will be retained.
The full press release can be viewed here