Construction of carpark and footway / cycleway off Waterfield Road for the Belmont Haywood Country Park.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet. She advised the Committee that an additional conditions was detailed in the update sheet and requested that it be included in any resolution.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor GA Powell, one of the local ward members, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The application had attracted 55 letters of objection from local residents.

·         The application would result in antisocial behavior taking place in the proposed car park.

·         The fishermen would not use the proposed car park due to the distance from the pool, Haywood Lane would be a better location.

·         The amenity of the local residents would be harmed by the application.

·         A petition containing 44 signatures had been received.

·         West Mercia Police’s report had been omitted from the officer’s report.

·         The application should be refused.

Councillor AN Bridges, one of the other local ward members, also commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The application had raised a great deal of debate and concern in the local area.

·         West Mercia Police had concerns in respect of the application.

·         The car park needed to be secured at night so the additional conditions referred to in the update report was welcomed.

·         Could the section 106 agreement secure funds for CCTV in the car park.

·         The proposed car park was too far for the fishermen to use, they would still park on Haywood Lane.

·         A second car park at Haywood Lane would be welcomed.

Councillor PJ Edwards, the other local ward member, also commented on a number of issues, including:

·         He had been involved in the initial setting up of the Country Park some years ago.

·         The Country Park was nearly completed with the help of the section 106 agreement from the nearby housing development which was also nearing completion.

·         The population of the South Wye area was approximately 10000.

·         The additional condition securing the car park at night was welcomed.

·         The management plan was also welcomed as was the suggestion of CCTV on the site.

·         The application should be approved.

In response to the points raised by the Local Ward Members, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the local policing team had been contacted but had not responded as all correspondence in these circumstances comes from the police head office. She added that the Parks and Countryside team were in regular contact with the local policing team. In respect of CCTV on the site she added that it may be something to consider at a later date if there were issues at the site and CCTV was deemed necessary. It was felt that engagement with the parks and countryside team would be a more suitable route to assess any future CCTV requirements instead of a planning condition.

Members discussed the application and had concerns in respect of possible antisocial behaviour in the area. It was hoped that the conditions in respect of lighting and a secured gate could address these concerns. Members felt that the country park would be of great benefit to the residents of South Wye and felt that a car park was necessary for it to be fully utilised.

In summing up Councillor GA Powell, one of the local ward members, added that she was in full support of the country park but had reservations in respect of the location of the proposed car park. She requested that the application be deferred until a decision was made in respect of any possible relocation of the ball court.

Councillor AN Bridges, one of the other local ward members, felt that it was necessary to find another suitable parking location nearer to Haywood Lane for the fishermen to use.

Councillor PJ Edwards, the other local ward member added that discussions were ongoing in respect of an additional parking provision and requested that the application be approved.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3.         Prior to commencement of development, a full working method statement and habitat restoration and enhancement scheme shall be submitted for approval in writing by the local planning authority. The Plan shall include timing of the works and details of storage of materials and shall be implemented as approved.

Reasons: To ensure that all species and sites are protected having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and Policies NC1, NC4, NC6 and NC7 of Herefordshire's Unitary Development Plan.

To comply with policies NC8 and NC9 within Herefordshire's Unitary Development Plan in relation to Nature Conservation and Biodiversity and to meet the requirements of PPS9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation and the NERC Act 2006

4.         The existing trees and hedgerow to the northern boundary of the site shall not be removed, destroyed or felled without the prior approval in writing of the Local Planning Authority. Prior to any maintenance or works being undertaken to the trees or hedge a detailed method / maintenance scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the areas and to protect the amenities of local residents in accordance with policies DR2 and LA2 of the UDP.

5.         Prior to the commencement of development a detailed management plan, that includes the following information shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority:

a)    Hours of opening of car park

b)    Details of method and mechanism to locking / unlocking the access gate that serves the car park

c)    Hours of lighting of car park

d)    Position of and details of signs (that should include hours of operation / emergency contact details)

e)    Position of waste bins

f)     Maintenance and management of hedgerow to boundary with Car Park

The management of the car park shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plan in perpetuity.

Reason: In the interests of the amenities of the locality and to deter crime in order to comply with policies S1, DR1, DR2 and DR3 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan