RBK approves Power Station development

RBK Development Control Committee have now approved the Power Station site hotel and apartment development. No objectors were registered to speak at the Development Control Committee Meeting which took place at the Guildhall, so there were only speakers for the proposal: NPL, the applicants, and Tommy Moran of the Moran hotel group, who are still keen to be part of the project.There were no opportunities for comments or questions from the floor, and there were surprisingly few members of the public there (though lots from NPL and the architects). Cllr Osbourne at one point referred to the "absence of outrage" at this latest proposal as evidence that it was much more acceptable than previous ones.

The Service Director (Planning and Development) recommended approval in his (very detailed) report, and councillors' questions and discussion tended to focus not on the principle of the development but on detail, e g phasing, terms and conditions, parking and traffic, the proportion and concentration of affordable housing, the safety of the electricity substation, noise, rubbish and recycling. RBK appeared inclined to accept the lower proportion of affordable housing than originally envisaged, wanted by the developers for reasons of "financial viability", in order to achieve regeneration at last of the site and a hotel development that was widely supported. RBK had set conditions, e g to prevent the developers racing ahead with expensive flats for sale and lagging behind on the hotel and affordable units. Council officers were confident that the concerns aired had been or could be dealt with and that the conditions laid down for the developers were sufficient. When it came to the vote only Cllr Mama was against, with 8 (I think) for. It now has to go to the Mayor of London for approval, but as the GLA apparently is supportive, this seems likely.