May 2017
TOPO developer St George has applied to amend their controversial planning application of 2014. The amendments effect the eastern part of the complex and include the 'post office square', but not the main tower and Brook Street elevation.
There are changes to details, an additional 3 residences, change the residential mix and increase the height by a fraction - less than 0.5 meters. The most significant impact is the slight increased encroachment onto the Old Post Office square. This is numbered 2.2 in the 3rd picture above. Here is how it is described:
TOPO developer St George has applied to amend their controversial planning application of 2014. The amendments effect the eastern part of the complex and include the 'post office square', but not the main tower and Brook Street elevation.
There are changes to details, an additional 3 residences, change the residential mix and increase the height by a fraction - less than 0.5 meters. The most significant impact is the slight increased encroachment onto the Old Post Office square. This is numbered 2.2 in the 3rd picture above. Here is how it is described:
"2.2 Set-back to the Old Post Office Square
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Our thoughts
These amendments need to be read the in context of the Planning Application that was fiercely opposed, withdrawn, refused and ultimately permitted without fixing the 3 reasons for refusal ( see our blog post ). This is the application they are hoping to amend.
The first reason was the impact upon the Listed Buildings. English Heritage in was strongly opposed to the harm the scheme would inflict, in particular upon the setting of the Old Post Office itself. In addition St George had incorrectly pictured sunlight where the sun could never shine. Our own shadow modelling showed the devastating overshadowing of the proposed Post Office Square. ( view on youtube )
With this amendment the setback to the southern edge of this square will be moved forward. This HAS to be more harmful. It HAS to cast more shade than before. We simply don't believe the developers claims of no further impact on the daylight/sunlight to this key selling point of the whole scheme: the Post Office Square.
This is disappointing. We would hope amendments would alleviate the harm, not make it worse. We expect better than this.
Our full response is here: KRA response 5
More information:
To date the only evidence of construction on site is scaffolding around the Old Post Office and a perimeter fence and gates.
These amendments need to be read the in context of the Planning Application that was fiercely opposed, withdrawn, refused and ultimately permitted without fixing the 3 reasons for refusal ( see our blog post ). This is the application they are hoping to amend.
The first reason was the impact upon the Listed Buildings. English Heritage in was strongly opposed to the harm the scheme would inflict, in particular upon the setting of the Old Post Office itself. In addition St George had incorrectly pictured sunlight where the sun could never shine. Our own shadow modelling showed the devastating overshadowing of the proposed Post Office Square. ( view on youtube )
With this amendment the setback to the southern edge of this square will be moved forward. This HAS to be more harmful. It HAS to cast more shade than before. We simply don't believe the developers claims of no further impact on the daylight/sunlight to this key selling point of the whole scheme: the Post Office Square.
This is disappointing. We would hope amendments would alleviate the harm, not make it worse. We expect better than this.
Our full response is here: KRA response 5
More information:
- You can view the amendments in the Design and Access Statement Addendum April 2017
- You can respond before 02-Jun-2017
- You can see the main Planning Application page
- Our response
To date the only evidence of construction on site is scaffolding around the Old Post Office and a perimeter fence and gates.