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Central & South Planning Committee Date: Time: Venue: 2 nd AUGUST 2007 7 PM COMMITTEE ROOM 5, CIVIC CENTRE, HIGH STREET, UXBRIDGE To Councillors on the Committee: John Hensley (Chairman) Judith Cooper (Vice- Chairman) Kenneth Bartram Paul Buttivant Janet Duncan John Oswell Brian Stead Conservation Area Advisory Members Dr Robin Wakelin (Greenway/Cowley Church) Ralph Chenery (Canal Locks) Dale Venn / Beryl Lakin (Hillingdon Village) Douglas Adams (Old Uxbridge) Publication Date: 25 th July 2007 Contact Officer: Gill Brice David Brough Head of Democratic Services Visiting the Civic Centre: Members of the Public and Press are welcome to attend this meeting. Bus routes 427, U1, U3, U4 and U7 all stop at the Civic Centre. Uxbridge underground station, with the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines, is a short walk away. Please enter from the Council’s main reception where you will be directed to the Committee Room. Please switch off your mobile phone when entering the room and note that the Council operates a no-smoking policy in its offices. This agenda is available in large print Cabinet Office T.01895 250693 F.01895 277373 [email protected] London Borough of Hillingdon, 3E/05, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW www.hillingdon.gov.uk

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Page 1: Central & South Planning Committee - · PDF fileCentral & South Planning Committee HIGH STRE Date: Time: ... U3, U4 and U7 all stop at the Civic Centre. ... control under The Control

Central & South Planning Committee

Date: Time: Venue:

2nd AUGUST 2007 7 PM COMMITTEE ROOM 5, CIVIC CENTRE, HIGH STREET, UXBRIDGE

To Councillors on the Committee: John Hensley (Chairman) Judith Cooper (Vice- Chairman) Kenneth Bartram Paul Buttivant Janet Duncan John Oswell Brian Stead Conservation Area Advisory Members Dr Robin Wakelin (Greenway/Cowley Church) Ralph Chenery (Canal Locks) Dale Venn / Beryl Lakin (Hillingdon Village) Douglas Adams (Old Uxbridge) Publication Date: 25th July 2007 Contact Officer: Gill Brice David Brough Head of Democratic Services

Visiting the Civic Centre: Members of the Public and Press are welcome to attend this meeting. Bus routes 427, U1, U3, U4 and U7 all stop at the Civic Centre. Uxbridge underground station, with the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines, is a short walk away. Please enter from the Council’s main reception where you will be directed to the Committee Room. Please switch off your mobile phone when entering the room and note that the Council operates a no-smoking policy in its offices.

This agenda isavailable in large print

Cabinet Office T.01895 250693 F.01895 277373 [email protected] London Borough of Hillingdon, 3E/05, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW www.hillingdon.gov.uk

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1. Consideration of the supplementary report from the Director of Planning and

Community Services (detailed below)

Reports - Part 1 – Members, Public and the Press Items are normally marked in the order that they will be considered, though the Chairman may vary this. Reports are split into ‘major’ and ‘minor’ applications. The name of the local ward area is also given in addition to the address of the premises or land concerned.

Major Application without a Petition Address Ward Description & Recommendation Page 20. N1 Staff Car Park

Northern Perimeter Road Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Villages

Erection of a 1,500 space, 4-storey multi-storey car park (Consultation Under Schedule, Part 18 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995) Recommendation : No Objection

1

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PLANNING COMMITTEE - 2 AUGUST 2007 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR (CENTRAL & SOUTH) OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY

SERVICES LATE ITEM

A Item No. 20 Report of the Corporate Director of Planning and Community Services Address: N1 STAFF CAR PARK, NORTHERN PERIMETER ROAD,

HEATHROW AIRPORT Development: ERECTION OF A 1,500 SPACE, 4-STOREY MULTI-STOREY

CAR PARK (CONSULTATION UNDER SCHEDULE 2, PART 18 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT) ORDER 1995).

LBH Ref No: 63177/APP/2007/1671 Drawing Nos: D0001, D002 A, D0003 B, D0004 A, D0005 A, D0010 B, D0011

B, D0012 B, D0013 B, T5/COND/PLAN/8, DRAWING 16, DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

Date of receipt: 31/05/07 Date(s) of Amendment(s): None REASON FOR URGENCY This application is considered to merit urgent attention by Committee having regard to Government performance targets for determination of major applications, which significantly affect the Council’s annual Planning Delivery Grant allocation. 1.0 SUMMARY 1.1 BAA has submitted this proposal for consultation under Part 18 of the Town

and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. It proposes the erection of a 1,500 space multi-storey staff car park on a large existing surface level car park off the Northern Perimeter Road, Heathrow.

1.2 The development would comprise a four-storey multi-deck structure (ground

level plus 3 floors) with external vehicle circulation ramps and external pedestrian circulation and fire escape towers. The building would provide 56,620m² of car parking space (1,500 car parking spaces). A new bus stop would be located adjacent to the southern elevation of the building. The remainder of the site would continue to be used for surface level parking.

1.3 The proposal is considered to be permitted development. It is not considered

to have any detrimental impact on this part of the airport or Bath Road. It is

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considered to comply with relevant planning policies and as such, it is recommended that no objections be raised subject to considerations and informatives.

2.0 CONSULTATIONS 2.1 Consultation letters were sent to 6 local owner/occupiers and the application

was advertised by means of site and press notices. 2.2 To date no letters of objection have been received.

External consultees Environment Agency

The N1 car park formed part of the overall T5 Flood Risk Assessment, which the Environment Agency approved. As such, there are no addition comments to make in regard to this proposal.

BAA Safeguarding

No objection subject to an informative regarding cranes.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS)

No objection

English Heritage

Awaiting response

Internal consultees Environmental Protection Unit

No objections subject to considerations regarding operational noise and air quality, and construction noise and air quality.

Trees/Landscape Officer

No objection subject to conditions TL1, TL2, TL3, TL5, TL6 and TL7.

Highways BAA is the highway authority for the Northern Perimeter Road (NPR). The erection of a 1,500 space multi-deck car park in this location will increase traffic on a section of the NPR. As part of a previous proposal to build a multi-deck consolidated car rental facility on the adjacent N5 car park the Northolt and Northwood roundabouts would be improved and the carriageway dualled between these two roundabouts. It is

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considered that traffic flows could be accommodated without causing unacceptable impact on the road capacity in terms of delay or congestion. No significant change in the impact on the borough road network is envisaged. The new spaces fall within the Terminal 5 42,000 space car park cap condition. No objections are therefore raised on highway/traffic grounds.

3.0 RECOMMENDATION: NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING

CONSIDERATIONS: 1. There shall be no vehicular

access onto the Old Bath Road without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

1. In the interests of highway safety in compliance with Policy AM7.

2. (TL1) Existing Trees - Survey 2. (TL1) Standard 3. (TL2) Trees to be retained 3. (TL2) Standard 4. (TL3) Protection of trees and

plants during site clearance and development

4. (TL3) Standard

5. (TL5) Landscaping Scheme - (full applications where details are reserved for future approval)

5. (TL5) Standard

6. (TL6) Landscaping Scheme - implementation

6. (TL6) Standard

7. (TL7) Maintenance of Landscaped Areas

7. (TL7) Standard

8. (OM11) Floodlighting 8. (OM11) Standard 9. The development shall not begin

until a scheme, which specifies the provisions to be made for the control of operational noise emanating from the proposed car park has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. Any measures put in place as part of the scheme shall be permanently retained and maintained.

9. To safeguard the amenity of the surrounding area in accordance with Policy OE3 of the Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan.

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10. The development shall not begin until a scheme, which specifies the provisions to be made for the control of construction noise emanating from the site, has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall include such combination of physical, administrative measures, noise limits, and other measures as may be approved by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be constructed in accordance with the approved scheme.

10. To safeguard the amenity of the surrounding area in accordance with policy OE3 of the Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan.

11. The development shall not begin until a scheme for controlling/minimising dust emissions from the construction works has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be constructed in accordance with the approved scheme.

11. To limit the construction impacts of air pollution on local residential areas in accordance with Policy OE1 of the Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan.

12. The development shall not begin until a scheme which specifies the provisions to be made for the control of idling vehicles emanating from the site, has been submitted to, and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall include such combination of physical, administrative measures and other measures as may be approved by the LPA.

12. To reduce the impact on local air quality in accordance with Policy OE1 of the Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan.

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INFORMATIVES

1. Given the nature of the proposed development it is possible that a crane may be required during its construction. We would, therefore, draw the applicant’s attention to the requirement within the British Standard Code of Practice for the safe use of Cranes, for crane operators to consult the aerodrome before erecting a crane in close proximity to an aerodrome. This is explained further in Advice Note 4, ‘Cranes and Other Construction Issues’ (available at www.caa.co.uk/srg/aerodrome).

2. Nuisance from demolition and construction works is subject to control under The Control of Pollution Act 1974, the Clean Air Acts and other related legislation. In particular, you should ensure that the following are complied with:

A) Demolition and construction works should only be carried out between the hours of 08.00 hours and 18.00 hours Monday to Friday and between the hours of 08.00 hours and 13.00 hours on Saturday. No works shall be carried out on Sundays or Bank Holidays;

B) All noise generated during such works should be controlled in compliance with British Standard Code of Practice BS 5228: 1984;

C) The elimination of the release of dust or odours that could create a public health nuisance; and

D) No bonfires that create dark smoke or nuisance to local residents.

You are advised to consult the Council's Environmental Protection Unit 3S/02 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW (Tel. 01895 277401) or to seek prior approval under Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act if you anticipate any difficulty in carrying out construction other than within the normal working hours set out in (A) above, and by means that would minimise disturbance to adjoining premises.

3. The developer is requested to maximise the opportunities to provide high quality work experience for young people (particularly the 14-19 age group) from the London Borough of Hillingdon, in such areas as bricklaying, plastering, painting and decorating, electrical installation, carpentry and landscaping in conjunction with the Hillingdon Education and Business Partnership. Please refer to the enclosed leaflet and contact Peter Sale, Hillingdon Education and Business Manager; contact details – c/o British Airways Community Learning Centre, Accommodation Lane, Harmondsworth, UB8 0PD. Tel: 020 8897 7633. Fax: 020 897 7644. email: p.sale@ btconnect .com.

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4. To promote the development of sustainable building design, you are encouraged to investigate the use of renewable energy resources which do not produce any extra carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, such as solar, geothermal and fuel cell systems.

5. Compliance with Building Regulations ‘Access to and use of

buildings’ and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for commercial and residential development.

You are advised that the scheme is required to comply with either:-

• The Building Regulations 2000 Approved Document Part M

‘Access to and use of buildings’, or with • BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings and their approaches to

meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice. AMD 15617 2005, AMD 15982 2005.

These documents (which are for guidance) set minimum standards to allow residents, workers and visitors, regardless of disability, age or gender, to gain access to and within buildings, and to use their facilities and sanitary conveniences.

You may also be required to make provisions to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The Act gives disabled people various rights. Under the Act it is unlawful for employers and persons who provide services to members of the public to discriminate against disabled people by treating them less favourably for any reason related to their disability, or by failing to comply with a duty to provide reasonable adjustments. This duty can require the removal or modification of physical features of b buildings provided it is reasonable.

The duty to make reasonable adjustments can be effected by the Building Regulation compliance. For compliance with the DDA please refer to the following guidance: -

• The Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Available to download from www.opsi.gov.uk.

• Disability rights Commission (DRC) Access statements.

Achieving an inclusive environment by ensuring continuity throughout the planning, design and management of building and spaces, 2004. Available to download from www.drc-gb.org.

• Code of practice. Rights of access. Goods, facilities, services and premises. Disability discrimination act 1995, 2002. ISBN 0 11702 860 6. Available to download from

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www.drc-gb.org.

• Creating an inclusive environment, 2003 & 2004 – What it means to you. A guide for service providers, 2003. Available to download from www.drc-gb.org.

This is not a comprehensive list of Building Regulations legislation. For further information you should contact Building Control on 01895 250804/5/6 and 8

6. The decision to raise no objection has been taken having regard to the policies and proposals in the adopted Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan set out below, and to all relevant material considerations, including Supplementary Planning Guidance, and the particular circumstances summarised below: BE13 Design of new development BE17 Design and layout of new development at Heathrow Airport. BE38 Retention of topographical and landscape features, and

provision of new planting and landscaping in development proposals

OE1 Character and amenities of surrounding properties OE2 Assessment of environmental impact of proposed

development. OE3 Buildings or uses likely to cause noise annoyance – mitigation

measures OE5 Siting of noise-sensitive developments OE6 Proposals likely to result in pollution A4 Directly related airport development should normally be within

the airport boundary AM2 Development proposals – assessment of traffic generation,

impact on congestion and public transport availability and capacity

AM7 Considers traffic impact on local roads and safety AM14 New development will only be permitted where it is in

accordance with the Council’s adopted cap parking standards

7. The decision to raise no objection has been taken having regard to all relevant planning legislation, regulations, guidance, circulars and Council policies, including The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA 1998) which makes it unlawful for the Council to act incompatibly with Convention rights, specifically Article 6 (right to a fair hearing); Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life); Article 1 of the First Protocol (protection of property) and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination).

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4.0 CONSIDERATIONS

Site and Locality 4.1 The application site covers an area of approximately 4.8ha of surface level

airport parking, accessed off Northwood Road at the northern side of Heathrow Airport. The site is bounded to the south by the Northern Perimeter Road beyond which is a large staff car park and car rental site; to the west by a two storey hotel complex; to the north by Old Bath Road, beyond which is offices, a petrol filling station and a McDonalds Restaurant and to the east by Northwood Road, beyond which is the N5 car park. A large three storey multi-deck car park, used by British Airways’ staff, is located to the north east of the site, which would otherwise be roughly rectangular in shape.

4.2 The Council recently raised no objection to the erection of a three-level multi-

deck car rental facility for 2,000 cars on land further to the east (between an enlarged Northwood Roundabout and Northolt Roundabout) (ref: 62585/APP/2007/75 – no objection raised 29/03/07).

4.3 The site falls within the Heathrow Airport boundary as designated in the

Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan.

Scheme 4.4 The proposed works are to be undertaken under permitted development rights

as set out in Part 18 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

4.5 It is proposed to erect a four-storey multi-deck car park (ground level plus 3

floors above) to provide 1,500 staff car parking spaces towards the north west corner of the existing surface level car park. The building would measure 157m by 86m by 9.6m high. Each floor would have an area of 13,170m², with the exception of the roof level which would provide 13,110m², and the building would have a total floor area of 52,620m².

4.6 Two main pedestrian stair towers would be provided on the southern

elevation, with an escape stair tower provided on each of the other elevations. These would be clad in solid panelling with a flat roof to provide weather protection to comply with building regulations.

4.7 Essentially the appearance of the car park would be of a lightweight steel

framed construction. The elevations would principally consist of vertical columns with supporting horizontal floor structures. Strengthened 1m high infill mesh balustrades and 1.5m high handrails would be provided between columns at each upper floor level. The western elevation would have additional solid panels behind the mesh balustrading to prevent ‘head light’ glare towards the Thistle Hotel to the west. The vehicle circulation ramps, on the southern side of the building, would similarly comprise vertical columns with mesh balustrades and handrails in between.

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4.8 The ground floor vehicular entrance to the car park would be in the western

end of the building and the exit would be in the east elevation to ensure separation of incoming and outgoing vehicles. The exit to the east elevation would allow easier access to the existing main N1 car park exit barriers which are located off Northwood Road. This would enable the remainder of the N1 car park to continue to be used for surface level staff parking.

4.9 A dedicated shuttle bus service would provide convenient and frequent travel

for staff between the car park and Terminal 5. The main bus stop area within the site would be located adjacent to the main pedestrian circulation stair towers in the southern elevation. 16 prominently located disability standard parking bays would be provided at ground floor level, either side of this bus stop.

Planning History

4.10 Outline planning permission was granted for an additional multi-storey car

park in the N1 car park to meet the forecast demand for staff and long-term public parking, as part of the original Terminal 5 permission (ref: 47853/93/246 dated 20/11/2001). However, this permission has not been implemented and BAA now seek to agree details prior to its construction.

Planning Policies and Standards

PPG13: Transport London Plan UDP Designation: Heathrow Airport The following policies of the Unitary Development Plan are considered relevant to the consideration of this proposal: Part 1 Policies: Pt 1.1 To seek to ensure that new development will not adversely affect

the amenity and character of the Borough’s residential areas. Pt 1.27 To ensure development at Heathrow Airport for airport purposes

mitigates or redresses any adverse effects on the environment. Part 2 Policies: BE13 Design of new development. BE17 Design and layout of new development at Heathrow Airport. BE38 Retention of topographical and landscape features, and provision of

new planting and landscaping in development proposals. OE1 Character and amenities of surrounding properties.

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OE2 Assessment of environmental impact of proposed development. OE3 Buildings or uses likely to cause noise annoyance – mitigation

measures. OE5 Siting of noise-sensitive developments. OE6 Proposals likely to result in pollution. A4 Development directly related to Heathrow Airport. A6 Development proposals within the public safety zones around

Heathrow or likely to affect the operation of Heathrow or Northolt airports

AM2 Development proposals – assessment of traffic generation, impact on congestion and public transport availability and capacity.

AM7 Considers traffic impact on local roads and safety. AM14 New development will only be permitted where it is in accordance with

the Council’s adopted cap parking standards. Supplementary Planning Guidance – Air Quality Supplementary Planning Guidance – Noise

Main Planning Issues

4.11 The main planning issues associated with this application include: -

(i) Whether the proposal is permitted development (ii) Principle of development (iii) Visual impacts (iv) Access (v) Traffic/parking (vi) Air Quality/Sustainability (vii) Noise (viii) Construction Impacts

(i) Whether the proposal is permitted development 4.12 The proposed development is directly related to the provision of services and

facilities at Heathrow Airport on ‘operational land.’ It is therefore ‘Permitted Development’ in accordance with Class A of Part 18 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 and does not require planning permission. However, in accordance with the Order, the airport must consult with the Local Planning Authority before commencing any development.

(ii) Principle of development

4.13 Outline planning permission was granted for an additional multi-storey car

park, to be located in the N1 car park, under the Terminal 5 planning permission (ref: 47853/APP/2002/1882), to meet the forecast demand for staff and long-term public car parking in this part of the airport as a result of Terminal 5. However, the building illustrated at the time (block plan only)

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would need to be more than 5-storeys high to accommodate the 1,500 spaces proposed. The construction of the multi-storey car park in the approved position (east side of car park) would also create substantial difficulties in maintaining the operation of the remainder of the car park based on current road layouts and car park entrance points.

4.14 Physical circumstances surrounding the site have not evolved as anticipated

at the Terminal 5 Inquiry. In particular the Northern Perimeter Road has not been realigned and changes have now occurred to the Terminal 5 road layout that connects into the Northern Perimeter Road. Cumulatively these changes now require a different siting for the proposed multi-storey car park. Accordingly, details of this proposal cannot now be submitted pursuant to the Terminal 5 outline permission, but the principle of an additional multi-storey car park on this site has been established.

4.15 The additional spaces provided as part of this proposal will fall within the

42,000 space car parking cap imposed under the Terminal 5 planning permission. This cap sets a strategic limit on the totality of car parking within Heathrow Airport’s main car parks and additionally limits staff parking spaces to 17,500 within the cap.

4.16 The principle of using this site as a Terminal 5 staff multi-storey car park is

considered acceptable. The development accords with Policy A4 of the UDP which seeks to contain directly related airport uses on sites within the airport.

(iii) Visual Impacts

4.17 The southern side of Bath Road, to the east of the application site is

predominantly characterised by large airport related hotels, offices and car parks. The eastern section of Old Bath Road (within the village of Longford) is also characterised by commercial development with a petrol station, McDonalds Restaurant and offices opposite the application site and a large two-storey hotel complex to the west. The proposed multi-deck facility would be slightly taller than the adjacent BA multi-storey car park to the east, which fronts onto Bath Road, and would be comparable in height to other large buildings with frontages to the Bath Road. The nearest residential properties are in Longford Village to the west, beyond the adjacent hotel. There would be no views of the development from these properties.

4.18 The northern boundary of the site is defined by an approximately 1.8m high

steel boundary fence and a narrow planted strip comprising low to medium level planting and mature trees the tallest of which are approximately 11m high. This vegetation would reduce the visual impact of the proposed multi-deck car park when viewed from the Old Bath Road frontage. A similar planted strip exists along the western boundary and provides some screening of the site from the adjacent hotel complex. Whilst the planting would die back to some extent during winter months, it is considered that it would still help to soften the visual impact of the development. The proposed development would not be out of character with its commercial surroundings

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in this location and its visual impact on the Old Bath Road frontage and adjacent properties is considered to be acceptable.

4.19 An existing 1.5m to 2m high hedgerow along the southern boundary of the site

would provide some limited screening from the Northern Perimeter Road. However, it is likely that the multi-storey car park would be visible in longer distance views. Both sides of the Northern Perimeter Road are characterised by airport related development with the airfield beyond surface level parking to the south, and various car parks, offices and multi-storey car parks on the northern side. As such, it is not considered that the proposed multi-storey element of the car park would be detrimental or out of character when viewed from within this part of the airport and the proposal is accordingly considered to be visually acceptable.

(i) Access

4.20 The site would be accessed from Northwood Road only, which obtains access

to the Northern Perimeter Road using the existing infrastructure. There would be no vehicular points of access from the site onto the Bath Road.

4.21 The site would provide car parking for Terminal 5 staff and as such there

would be no requirement for public transport to access the site. A courtesy bus set down and pick-up area would be located in a long lay-by in front of the multi-deck car park and there would be level access into the building. The disability standard parking bays would be located at ground level adjacent to the courtesy bus pick-up/drop-off point.

(ii) Traffic

4.22 The Northern Perimeter Road falls entirely within the airport boundary and is

owned and maintained by BAA. As such, the impact of the development on the airport’s road system is for BAA to assess. Officers are satisfied that the proposal would not have any specific impacts on the wider road network.

4.23 It should be noted that as part of the proposal to build a consolidated car

rental centre on the adjacent N5 car park, the Northwood and Northolt roundabouts would be enlarged and the part of the Northern Perimeter Road between the two roundabouts dualled to enable the airport road system to adequately cater for the increased traffic resulting from both developments.

4.24 In terms of total car parking provision at Heathrow Airport, it is considered that

the 42,000 space car park cap condition is the appropriate control. This level was set by the Secretary of State taking into account all relevant issues when Terminal 5 was granted planning permission in November 2001.

(vi) Air quality/sustainability

4.25 Whilst no air quality assessment has been submitted, it is not considered that

the air quality would significantly worsen at the nearest residential properties

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as a direct result of the proposed development. No objections have been raised by the Council’s Environmental Protection Unit on this matter, subject to a consideration requiring submission of a scheme for controlling idling engines.

4.26 It should be noted that BAA is currently constructing a Personal Rapid

Transport System between the nearby N3 car park and Terminal 5. This uses no emission electrical ‘cabs’ running on a dedicated track. If successful it would have potential to extend airport wide and would remove the need for shuttle buses.

(vii) Noise

4.27 No information has been submitted regarding noise levels at this stage,

however, it is not considered that they would be significantly greater than those from the existing site and there would be no impact on commercial properties outside the airport boundary to the north. The main concern is the impact of vehicle movements within the multi-deck on the adjacent Thistle Hotel. Officers in the Environmental Protection Unit have suggested a consideration be attached to the consultation response to address this issue. However, it is not considered that the noise impact from the site on the adjacent hotel would be so significant as to justify a reason for refusal.

5.0 OBSERVATIONS OF BOROUGH SOLICITOR 5.1 When making their decision, Members must have regard to all relevant

planning legislation, regulations, guidance and circulars and also, the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998. Further, Members must make their decision on the basis of relevant planning considerations and must not take any irrelevant considerations into account.

6.0 OBSERVATIONS OF DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 6.1 The officer recommendations are based upon planning considerations only

and therefore, if agreed by the Planning Committee, they should reduce the risk of a successful challenge being made at a later stage. Hence, adopting the recommendations will reduce the possibility of unbudgeted calls upon the Council's financial resources, and the associated financial risk to the Planning and Transportation Group and the wider Council.

7.0 CONCLUSION 7.1 It is considered that the proposed building would be in keeping with the

character and appearance of the surrounding area and its visual impact is acceptable. There are not considered to be any significant environmental impacts associated with the development and no objections have been received. The proposal complies with UDP policy and it is recommended that no objections be raised.

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PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS

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Central & South Planning Committee – 2 August 2007 Page 14

PART 1 – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS

Reference Documents: (a) LB Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan (b) PPG13 ‘ Transport’ (d) LBH Air Quality Supplementary Planning Guidance (e) LBH Noise Supplementary Planning Guidance (f) The London Plan Contact Officer: JOHANNA HARFOOT Telephone No: 01895 277580