Agenda item

Recommended for Approval.

Mrs Mullender addressed the Committee in objection to the application.  Mr Wilson and Ms Moore spoke for the application.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of application 3/13/2036/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

Councillor M Carver, as the local ward Member, referred to the objections from residents of Perry Green, Green Tye, Little Hadham, Much Hadham and Hunsdon, as well as objections from Much Hadham and Hunsdon Parish Councils.

Councillor Carver referred to a total lack of understanding from Hertfordshire Highways in respect of the severe access and environmental impacts of this application on the rural setting and an unclassified country lane.

Councillor Carver referred to the 3 mile long Bourne Lane as having 5 blind bends, 12 passing points and no pavement.  He stated that this road was regularly used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and joggers.  He also commented that a 2012/13 police survey had identified significantly higher speed data than that identified by the limited traffic survey undertaken by the applicant.

Councillor Carver stated that the narrow road network had numerous potholes and had suffered significant irreparable damage to the embankments, verges and lane edges.  The local road network had also been deemed unsuitable for large increases in traffic associated with a major visitor attraction.

Councillor Carver stated that the proposed changes constituted overdevelopment and were not in keeping with the surrounding area and undermined the architecture of Dane Tree House and the architecture of Henry Moore.

Councillor Carver concluded that, although the works of Henry Moore needed protection, the high degree of tranquillity of the area should prevail.  He referred to his concerns regarding the significant parking considerations and commented that the site was unsustainable as a tourist location in respect of water, sewage and drainage.

Councillor Carver urged Members to refuse the application due to the severe traffic impacts on the environmental quality of the rural aspects of Perry Green and Green Tye and due to the over commercial development of the site being contrary to policy GBC3 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.  The application would also have a significant detrimental effect on the quality of life for both local and surrounding communities.

Councillor G Williamson referred to paragraphs 3.3 and 1.12 of the Officer’s report and he challenged the applicant’s assertions that they did not anticipate an increase in visitors or vehicles and hoped to reduce the impact that traffic and circulating traffic had on the surrounding area.

Councillor K Crofton stated that the proposed development would deliver improvements in facilities for visitors and staff and he felt that staff car parking improvements could not be bad.  He referred to the importance of a secure temperature and humidity controlled environment on the site.  He concluded that this was a sensitive and acceptable application that would enhance the reputation of Henry Moore.

Councillors A Burlton and T Page addressed the Committee in support of the application.  Councillor Page requested that a condition be applied that signage be improved in the broad area surrounding the application site.

Councillor N Symonds stated that she had noticed a significant increase in traffic in recent times to this location.  She expressed sympathy with the need for archiving but stated that the traffic was beyond the capacity of the small village roads leading to the hamlets of Perry Green and Green Tye.

The Director stated that there were a number of different elements to this application.  Members were advised that there would be limited numbers of visitors to the archive at Elmwood.  This would be by appointment only for research purposes so the impact of this element of the application would be very limited.

Members were advised that the 160 square metre extension to Dane Tree House equated to a 17% increase in area.  The Director stressed that this element of the scheme was to improve facilities in terms of accessibility and would alleviate the need to cross the road aside from leaving or returning to the car park.

Members were reminded that Hertfordshire Highways had not objected to the application and Officers agreed with Hertfordshire Highways that there would not be a significant increase in traffic.

Members were reminded that the current facilities at Chestnuts would cease to be required and Officers did not feel that there would be a severe impact resulting from this application.

Councillor G Williamson proposed and Councillor N Symonds seconded, a motion that application 3/13/2036/FP be refused due to the traffic impact being contrary to policy TR20 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 and also due to the environmental impact of the application under policy ENV1.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared LOST.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the Committee supported the recommendation of the Director of Neighbourhood Services as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/13/2036/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.