>
> Re: 100-102 Hassett Road
>
> Thank you for your email regarding the above matter, which was received
> in my office on 25th January 2011. I am sorry to hear of your concerns
> about this building.
>
> In terms of the planning status of the premises, the Council's Planning
> service has advised me that for number 100, the former convent and Grade
> II listed building, there is currently no permission for its use as
> either a hotel or a hostel. The current use is therefore unauthorised.
>
> I have been advised that for number 102, the Planning service is
> currently considering a planning application and application for listed
> building consent, which was submitted on 23rd July 2010. This
> application requests permission for the conversion of the former convent
> accommodation and an out building to create seven self-contained
> residential units; the erection of a two-storey rear extension to the
> out building; the erection of a first floor front extension to the main
> building; the installation of additional roof lights; alterations to
> fenestration; creation of new access to ground floor flats and house;
> and associated landscaping.
>
> I understand that the Planning service has already confirmed to you that
> it is investigating the unauthorised use of these premises following
> concerns that you raised in October and November 2010, and that these
> investigations have prompted a retrospective planning and listed
> building consent application from the owner to use the former convent as
> a house in multiple occupation with 26 bed-sitting rooms. However, I
> understand that this application was submitted with incomplete
> information and was therefore invalid. As consultation on planning
> applications is not carried out unless and until the application is
> valid, neighbours have not been notified of this application.
>
> I have been advised that, under national planning enforcement rules, the
> Planning service is obliged to give the owner time to submit a completed
> application that can be properly considered in line with planning
> policies and legislation. However, the Planning service believes that
> they have now allowed sufficient time since the initial paperwork was
> received, and it is therefore now considering the issuing of a formal
> Enforcement Notice against the owner.
>
> The Planning service has assured me that it does appreciate the concerns
> raised by local residents regarding the effects that the unauthorised
> use is having on the local area. They have explained that they had
> intended to address these problems through the planning application
> process, via which amendments and conditions could be imposed. However,
> as the applicant has failed to submit a valid application the Planning
> service has been unable to address the issues via this route, and they
> will therefore now look to take enforcement action.
>
> I appreciate the frustration that residents often experience regarding
> the slow progress of planning enforcement cases. However, in such cases
> the Council must always try to negotiate an acceptable outcome, and is
> obliged to give the offender every opportunity to rectify the problem
> themselves. Whilst the Council can and will take legal action in
> protracted cases where such negotiations fail, this can be considered
> only as a last resort.
>
> The Planning service have advised me that they are considering how best
> to proceed with this matter, and that they will be in contact with you
> very shortly to confirm the next steps to be taken. In the meantime,
> should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to
> contact Michael Johnson, Enforcement Manager, on 020 8356 8091 or at
> michael.johnson@hackney.gov.uk.
>
> Yours sincerely
>
> Jules Pipe
> Mayor of Hackney
>
>
> Cc: Anntoinette Bramble (Cllr); Christopher Kennedy (Cllr); Jessica Webb
> (Cllr)
> LBH70413-11
>
>
>
>
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>
>
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