[A] Redevelopment of The Cathedral Close with new landscape proposals, lighting, seating, paths, fences, railings and gates.

[B] Erection of new piers, railings and gates at nos. 1 & 2 Cathedral Close, relocation of Castle Street gate pier.  New gate to college cloisters, repair of the Cathedral Barn.

[A] Redevelopment of The Cathedral Close with new landscape proposals, lighting, seating, paths, fences, railings and gates.

[B] Erection of new piers, railings and gates at nos. 1 & 2 Cathedral Close, relocation of Castle Street gate pier.  New gate to college cloisters, repair of the Cathedral Barn.

 

The Senior Planning Officer provided the following updates:

§       The Archaeological Advisor had confirmed that he had received acceptable details relating to the ground works methodology, his comments were summarised and standard conditions were recommended.

§       Consequently, the wording of the recommendation was amended to omit reference to outstanding archaeological issues.

 

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, the Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford, spoke in support of the application.

 

Councillor MAF Hubbard, the Local Ward Member, commented on a number of matters, including:

·       The proposals had taken a long time to formulate but now addressed many of the concerns raised by local people initially.

·       Anti-social behaviour had been a problem in the Close and the introduction of railings would help to re-establish the space as a sacred place and change attitudes towards it.

·       He noted that the close was a crucial cycle link in the city and felt that this should be retained.  He noted that the realigned paths would improve visibility and help to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists.

·       Whilst he was supportive of the scheme, he felt that it was very sad that the porch areas would be gated and closed at night, particularly given the tradition of cathedrals acting as places of refuge.

 

Councillor DW Greenow supported the views of the Local Ward Member and felt that the high quality proposals would complement the character of the historic environment.

 

Councillor ACR Chappell noted the importance of tourism to the area and felt that the proposals were exciting and would result in a major enhancement of the site.  He supported the comments of the Local Ward Member about cycling and sympathised with his views on the porch gates but noted the need to keep the areas in good order; he added that there should be access to more appropriate forms of shelter elsewhere.  He fully supported the scheme and hoped that it could be progressed as soon as possible.

 

Councillor PA Andrews supported the proposals but noted that many pedestrians were unhappy about inconsiderate cyclists using the Close and felt that the risks needed to be addressed.

 

The Legal Practice Manager advised that an agreement between the Cathedral Chapter and Herefordshire Council regarding the future maintenance of the Close had been agreed the previous week.

 

Councillor NL Vaughan said that inconsiderate cyclists had been a problem for Cathedral School pupils crossing the Close for a long time.  He sympathised with the views expressed about the porch gates but noted the problems being experienced with anti-social behaviour and drug abuse.

 

Councillor PJ Edwards noted that the area was in poor condition and felt that the proposals would significantly enhance the Close and the setting of the Cathedral.

 

Councillor DB Wilcox welcomed the measures in respect of cycling and felt that the scheme would improve the visual qualities of the space.

 

In response to a question from Councillor KS Guthrie, the Senior Planning Officer reported that the height of the typical railing was 2.7m, with the main piers at the west front would be 3.4m and would reflect the proportions of the Cathedral.

 

Councillor WJ Walling commented on the hazard posed by cyclists and felt that they should be prohibited from using the path nearest to the Cathedral.  He also commented on the need for measures to protect the Elgar statue from vandalism in its relocated position; he added that the plinth should also be retained.

 

Councillor GFM Dawe felt that the Close provided a crucial cycle link and that most cyclists used it in a responsible manner.  He did not feel that there was any reason for the removal of the mature Lime tree to the north of the masons’ yard and noted that this was contrary to Policy LA5 (Protection of trees, woodlands and hedgerows).

 

Councillor AT Oliver commented on the quality of the proposals, the cohesive design approach and the improvements to the parking arrangements; although he would have preferred the removal of the parking.

 

Councillor SJ Robertson said that many local people would welcome the return of railings to the Close.

 

In response to a question from Councillor MAF Hubbard, the Senior Planning Officer confirmed that automatic retractable bollards would control the Castle Street entrance, thereby preventing non-permit holders from entering the Close.

 

RESOLVED:

 

DCCE2008/0004/F

 

That officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to officers be authorised to approved the application subject to the conditions below and any further conditions as considered necessary by officers:

 

1.      A01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission)).

 

         Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

 

2.      D01 (Site investigation - archaeology).

 

         Reason: To ensure the archaeological interest of the site is recorded.

 

3.      D02 (Archaeological survey and recording).

 

         Reason: A building of archaeological/historic/architectural significance will be affected by the proposed development.  To allow for recording of the building during or prior to development.  The brief will inform the scope of the recording action.

 

4.      D04 (Submission of foundation design).

 

         Reason: The development affects a site on which archaeologically significant remains survive.  A design solution is sought to minimise archaeological disturbance through a sympathetic foundation design.

 

5.      H29 (Secure covered cycle parking provision).

 

         Reason: To ensure that there is adequate provision for secure covered cycle accommodation within the application site, encouraging alternative modes of transport in accordance with both local and national planning policy.

 

6.    Development shall not commence until amended plans demonstrating revised bollard widths have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  Development to be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

 

         Reason: To accord with Department for Transport Inclusive Mobility guidance and Policy DR3 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan 2007.

 

7.    Notwithstanding the approved plan, prior to installation on site, the final detail for of all cast iron railings details throughout the development shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  Submitted detail shall include reference to detailed design, colour, finishes and fixings. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

 

         Reason: In order to safeguard the character and visual amenities of the Close and adjacent listed buildings in accordance with Policies HBA4 and HBA6.

 

8.      G04 (Landscaping scheme (general)).

 

         Reason: In order to protect the visual amenities of the area.

 

9.      G05 (Implementation of landscaping scheme (general)).

 

         Reason:  In order to protect the visual amenities of the area.

 

10.    B01 (Samples of external materials).

 

         Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings.

 

11.    F32 (Details of floodlighting/external lighting).

 

         Reason: To safeguard local amenities.

 

12.    H27 (Parking for site operatives).

 

         Reason: To prevent indiscriminate parking in the interests of highway safety.

 

13.    In this condition a 'retained tree' is an existing tree which is to be retained in accordance with the approved plans and particulars; and paragraphs (a) and (b) below shall have effect until the expiration of 1 year from the date of the occupation of the building for its permitted use.

 

         a) No retained tree shall be cut down, uprooted or destroyed, nor shall any retained tree be pruned in any manner, be it branches, stems or roots, other than in accordance with the approved plans and particulars, without the prior written approval of the local planning authority.  All tree works shall be carried out in accordance with BS3998.

 

         b) If any retained tree is cut down, uprooted, destroyed or dies, another tree shall be planted at the same place and that tree shall be of such size and species and shall be planted at such time, as may be specified in writing by the local planning authority.

 

         Reason: To ensure proper care and maintenance of trees.

 

14.    No works or development shall take place or materials, plant or equipment brought on to site until a scheme for the protection of the retained trees (Section 7, BS59837, the Tree Protection Plan) has been agreed in writing with the local planning authority.  The scheme shall include:

 

         a) A plan to a scale and level of accuracy appropriate to the proposal that shows the position, crown spread and Root Protection Area (para. 5.2.2 of BS5837) of every retained tree on site and on neighbouring or nearby ground to the site in relation to the approved plans and particulars.  The positions of all trees to be removed shall be indicated on this plan.

 

         b) The details of each retained tree as required at para. 4.2.6 of BS5837 in a separate schedule.

 

         c) A schedule of tree works for all the retained trees in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, specifying pruning and other remedial or preventative work, whether for physiological, hazard abatement, aesthetic or operational reasons.  All tree works shall be carried out in accordance with BS3998, 1989, Recommendations for tree work.

 

         d) The details and positions shown on the plan at paragraph (a) above of the Ground Protection Zones (Section 9.3 of BS5837).

 

         e) The details and positions (shown on the plan at paragraph (a) above of the Tree Protection Barriers (Section 9.2 of BS5837), identified separately where required for different phases of construction work (e.g. demolition, construction, hard landscaping).  The Tree Protection Barriers must be erected to the satisfaction of the local planning authority prior to each construction phase commencing and remain in place and undamaged for the duration of that phase.  No works shall take place on the next phase until the Tree Protection Barriers are repositioned in that phase.

 

         f) The details and positions (shown on the plan at paragraph (a) above of the Construction Exclusion Zones (Section 9 of BS5837).

 

         g) The details and positions (shown on the plan at paragraph (a) above of the underground service runs (Section 11.7 of BS5837).

 

         h) The details of the working methods to be employed for the installation of drives and paths within the RPAs of retained trees in accordance with the principles of 'No-Dig' construction.

 

         i) The details of tree protection measures for the hard landscaping phase (Section 13 and 14 of BS5837).

 

         j) The timing of the various phases of the works or development in the context of the tree protection measures.

 

         Reason: To ensure the proper care and maintenance of trees.

 

15.    Prior to the commencement of development samples of all surfacing materials to be employed throughout the application scheme including the path colour, stone edging, setts and flagstones, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and maintained thereafter as such.

 

         Reason: In order to safeguard the character and visual amenities of the Close and adjacent listed building in accordance with Policies HBA4 and HBA6.

 

16.    Prior to the commencement of development the final details for the artistic commissions integral to the development (for the northern Close, the west end paved space and the Lady Arbour garden shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

 

         Reason: In order to safeguard the character and visual amenities of the Close and adjacent listed buildings in accordance with Policies HBA4 and HBA6.

 

17.    The timing of the various phases of development shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  Phases shall include the following:

 

§               The introduction of the railings, gates and piers throughout the scheme;

§               The renovation of the Lady Arbour garden;

§               The formation and laying out of the new paths and other hardstandings throughout the Close;

§               The redevelopment of the Mason's Yard;

§               The introduction of furniture, lighting, signage, bins and CCTV;

§               The introduction of the artistic commissions;

§               The renovation of Cathedral Barn

 

         Insofar as is reasonably practical development shall proceed in accordance with the agreed timetable unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

 

         Reason: In order to safeguard the character and visual amenities of the Close and adjacent listed buildings in accordance with Policies HBA4 and HBA6.

 

18.    No development shall take place until a Site Waste Management Plan has been implemented in accordance with details which have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

 

         Reason: In the interests of pollution prevention and waste minimisation and management, in accordance with the Waste Hierarchy and Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan Policies S10, W11 and DR4.

 

Informatives:

 

1.      ND02 - Area of Archaeological Importance.

 

2.      HN04 - Private apparatus within highway.

 

3.      HN05 - Works within the highway.

 

4.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.

 

5.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt.

 

DCCE2008/0011/L

 

That officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers be authorised to refer the application to the Secretary of State with a recommendation for approval, subject to the conditions below and any further conditions as considered necessary by officers:

 

1.      C01 (Time limit for commencement (Listed Building Consent).

 

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 18(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

 

2.      C02 (Approval of details).

 

(a)      Sample panel of the proposed wattle and daub infill panels for the Cathedral Barn;

(b)      Roofing materials to be used on the Cathedral Barn;

(c)      Rainwater goods to be used on the Cathedral Barn;

(d)      The detail, colour, finishes and fixings to all iron railings

 

Reason: To safeguard the character and appearance of the Grade II* listed building and the setting of all affected listed buildings.

 

3.      Prior to the commencement of work a full schedule of work for the repair and renovation of the Cathedral Barn shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority in consultation with English Heritage.  Work shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

 

Reason: To safeguard the character and appearance of the Grade II* listed building.

 

4.      A detailed photographic record of the Cathedral Barn prior, during and post restoration shall be submitted to the local planning authority.  A nominated representative of the local planning authority shall also be afforded reasonable access to the Cathedral Barn to enable recording as necessary.

 

Reason: To enable a record to be made of this building of historic and architectural interest.

 

Informatives:

 

1.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.

 

2.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt.