Erection of offices (B1) 1858 sq. metres (net lettable), 2137 sq. metres gross with 86 car parking spaces.

Erection of offices (B1) 1858 sq. metres (net lettable), 2137 sq. metres gross with 86 car parking spaces.

The Principal Planning Officer reported the following comments from Ross-on-Wye town Council:

• “Members were again concerned that the site was not being considered in toto but rather piecemeal.  There are still considerable concerns about access and egress onto a very busy roundabout and the lack of discussion about the installation of pedestrian access.  The development should also incorporate micro generation and sustainable urban drainage systems.”

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Griffiths, the applicants landscape architect, spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Mrs. A.E. Gray, one of the local ward members, felt that the provision of a robust travel plan was imperative for the proposed application to be successful. She felt that the pedestrian and cycling aspects needed to be taken into consideration by the applicant.

Councillor T.M.R. McLean and Councillor P.G.H. Cutter, the other local ward members, supported the application and reiterated their comments in respect of the site as outlined under item 6 on the agenda, the other application on the site.

A number of members had concerns in respect of the impact that granting the application could have on the A40/A449 roundabout. They felt that the provision of a detailed travel plan could resolve this issue and therefore on balance they supported the application.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1          A02 (Time limit for submission of reserved matters (outline permission))

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 92 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2          A03 (Time limit for commencement (outline permission))

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 92 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

3          A04 (Approval of reserved matters)

Reason: To enable the local planning authority to exercise proper control over these aspects of the development.

4          A05 (Plans and particulars of reserved matters)

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 92 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

5          F48 (Details of slab levels)

Reason: In order to define the permission and ensure that the development is of a scale and height appropriate to the site.

6          G01 (Details of boundary treatments)

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to ensure dwellings have satisfactory privacy.

7          F32 (Details of floodlighting/external lighting)

            Reason: To safeguard local amenities.

8          Prior to the commencement of the development an Outline Travel Plan, (which contains an overview of the transport implications of the proposed development, a commitment to promote alternative sustainable means of transport for staff and visitors and supporting strategies, with respect to the development hereby permitted), shall be submitted to and be approved in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason:  To satisfy the aims of PPG13 in reducing reliance on the use of private motor vehicles in order to promote sustainable transport choices to and from the site.  To ensure the A449 trunk road continues to be an effective part of the system of routes for through traffic in accordance with Section 10(2) of the Highways Act 1980 to protect the interest of road safety on the Trunk Road.

9          Within six months of the development being first brought into use, a Full Travel Plan, that contains a survey of travel patterns, targets and measures to promote alternative sustainable means of transport for staff and visitors, and the steps that would be taken in the event that targets are not met shall be further submitted to and be approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The Travel Plan shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

Reason:  To satisfy the aims of PPG13 in reducing reliance on the use of private motor vehicles in order to promote sustainable transport choices to and from the site.  To ensure the A449 trunk road continues to be an effective part of the system of routes for through traffic in accordance with Section 10(2) of the Highways Act 1980 to protect the interest of road safety on the Trunk Road.

10        A detailed written record shall be kept by the Developer in the first instance and thereafter the occupier, of the measures undertaken to promote sustainable transport initiatives.  A review of the Travel Plan shall be undertaken annually, commencing from the date of first occupation and within the year.  All relevant documentation shall be made available for inspection by the local planning authority upon reasonable request.

Reason:  To satisfy the aims of PPG13 in reducing reliance on the use of private motor vehicles in order to promote sustainable transport choices to and from the site.  To ensure the A449 trunk road continues to be an effective part of the system of routes for through traffic in accordance with Section 10(2) of the Highways Act 1980 to protect the interest of road safety on the Trunk Road.

INFORMATIVES

1          N19 - Avoidance of doubt

2          N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of Planning Permission