Agenda item

Recommended for Approval.

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/16/0899/REM, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

Councillor P Ruffles sought and was provided with clarification on the status of the appeal and whether the application would impact on the new Conservation Area.  Councillor M Casey sought further clarification regarding the appeal and why the application had been brought back to Members for a decision.

Councillor B Deering commented on the points made by Hertfordshire Constabulary in paragraph 6.3 of the report submitted and the potential for a “rat-run” between the northern and southern parts of the development site.  Councillor J Jones asked if bollards could be erected to address this potential problem.  Councillor S Reed asked whether there would be hard surfacing of Drury Lane.

The Head of Planning and Building Control explained why the appeal was relevant to the application in that Members could see that their previous decision had been vindicated.  The Head commented that he could not give a detailed response on the extent of the Conservation Area, but that it had been fully taken into account in the report provided.  He commented that, in relation to the suggested “rat-run”, Officers anticipated a footpath only between the two highways created from Drury Lane and Wicklands Road.  New planting alongside would also restrict the potential for the link to be used inappropriately.

Councillor M Freeman stated that he was surprised by the Constabulary’s comments in relation to the suggestion of a “rat run”.  The Head explained the potential issues in relation to the erection of bollards and access by emergency services.

Councillor J Jones suggested the inclusion of a condition regarding the use of bollards and that this should have “Secure by Design” accreditation.  The Head explained that a condition regarding bollards was possible but that the “Secure by Design” would need to be added in the form of an informative or directive.

It was proposed by Councillor J Jones and seconded by Councillor B Deering that a condition covering the inclusion of bollards be added to the planning conditions detailed in the report.  After being put to the meeting a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the Committee accepted the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/16/0899/REM, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted and the following additional condition:

6.        Prior to the commencement of any building works above ground level there shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the local planning authority details of highway furniture (such as bollards or other similar installations) to prevent the ability of vehicles to access and pass along the footpath connection to be provided between the northern and southern roadways which form the development. Once agreed, such highway furniture shall be installed prior to first occupation of the site and shall be subsequently retained.

Reason: In order to prevent the ability of vehicles to pass between the two parts of the site and therefore jeopardise highway safety.

Directive:

2.        The applicant is urged to achieve Secured by Design accreditation for the development. This will ensure that the new homes meet the appropriate Building Regulations security requirements.