Agenda item

Recommended for Approval.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of application 3/10/2214/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions now detailed.

Councillor P A Ruffles, as the local ward Member, stated that he would almost certainly abstain from voting as he could not find any planning reasons for going against the Officer’s recommendation for approval.  He stated that there was no conservation area improvement resulting from this application.

Councillor Ruffles commented that access via the existing footbridge had been in place without complaint for many years.  He stated that this was not the only disabled access to the adjacent land. 

Councillor Ruffles pointed out that there were alternative routes for vehicles or for grass cutting.

Councillor Ruffles stressed the importance of the condition in respect of flood compensation measures, due to the increased footprint of the proposed development.  Councillor R N Copping agreed with the views of Councillor Ruffles.  He also supported the views of the Conservation Officer.

In response to concerns from Councillor Copping in relation to night time security, the Director stressed that although this was not a material planning issue, Officers had stated in the report that details of any gates or other security measures be provided and agreed via a planning condition.

Councillor R Gilbert expressed concerns that access to the bridge was often compromised due to parked cars.  He commented on whether parking would have to be restricted in part of St Andrews Street Car Park to ensure disabled access to the bridge.

The Director stressed that there was a keep clear zone marked out on the car park and drew attention to this on the plans displayed in the meeting.  Members were advised that this application would not result in the loss of any parking spaces.

The Committee supported the recommendation of the Director of Neighbourhood Services that application 3/10/2214/FP be granted subject to the conditions now detailed.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/10/2214/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.    Three year time limit (1T12)

2.           Approved Plans (2E10) 3515 – 01, HFB/001/A; TH1

3.           Programme of archaeological works (2E02)

4.           Tree retention and protection (4P05)

5.           Prior to the first use of the bridge hereby permitted, details of any gates or similar measures to secure the bridge and prevent general vehicle access into Castle Grounds shall be submitted and as approved by the local planning authority. The development shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

        Reason: In order to ensure that any measures required to secure the Castle Grounds at night are appropriately designed in the interests of the appearance and character of this part of the Conservation Area and in accordance with Policies ENV3 and BH6 of the adopted East Herts Local Plan 2007.

6.           Prior to the commencement of works, detailed drawings of the new ramp to the car park indicating levels, gradient and surface materials shall be provided at scale not less than 1:20. The development shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

        Reason: In the interests of clarity and to ensure the crossing is satisfactorily designed and usable by wheelchair users and in accordance with policies ENV1 and ENV4  of the adopted East Herts Local Plan 2007.

7.           Prior to the commencement of above ground building, details of the timber side panels for the bridge shall be provided and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

        Reason:  In the interests of the appearance and design of the development within the Conservation Area and in accordance with policies ENV1 and BH6 of the adopted East Herts Local Plan 2007.

8.           Details of provisions to reuse the existing stone steps either within the development or in the vicinity of the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

        Reason: In the interests of the appearance and design of the development within the Conservation Area and in accordance with policies ENV1 and BH6 of the adopted East Herts Local Plan 2007.

9.           Prior to the commencement of works a scheme to provide Flood Compensation measures within the vicinity of the site to a standard of 1 in a 100 year plus climate change shall be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The bridge soffit level shall be set no lower than 39.25m above ordnance datum (AOD). The development shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

        Reason: In the interests of providing mitigation for flooding within the area as part of the development and in accordance with policy ENV19 of the adopted East Herts Local Plan 2007.

Summary of Reasons for Decision

The proposal has been considered with regard to the policies of the Development Plan (East of England Plan May 2008, Hertfordshire County Structure Plan, Minerals Local Plan, Waste Local Plan and the saved policies of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007), and in particular policies ENV1, ENV4, BH6 and national guidance in PPS1, PPS5 and PPG13. The balance of the considerations having regard to those policies and the other material considerations relevant in this case is that permission should be granted.