Proposed sculpture (Hereford Bull) on stone plinth.

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.

Members discussed the application and were broadly in support of it. There were however concerns that seats and trees would be removed as part of the application with some Members requesting that the trees removed should be replanted in High Town and not elsewhere [amended at Planning Committee 27 June 2012]. Members also discussed the possibility that people may sit on the plinth, some members were of the opinion that this was regrettable whereas others did not feel it would be a problem.

Some further concern was expressed in respect of the proposed location of the sculpture. An alternative location was suggested where it was considered that the sculpture may have more of a visible impact.

In response to points raised by the Committee, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the location of the sculpture would not impact on accessibility to high town for emergency vehicles. He added that the concerns regarding the loss of seating would be conveyed to the applicants but felt that a condition requiring their relocation would not be appropriate. It was therefore agreed that the matter be conveyed via an informative note. In response to a further point it was agreed that the possible relocating of the trees be included as an informative note also.

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 (drawing nos. 551600/C/001 – Site Clearance and Earthworks; 551500/C/002 – Plinth Detail; 551600/C/003 – Bull installation and Proposed Lighting; 551600/C/004 – Location Plan and General Arrangement)

3.         E03 Site observation - archaeology

Reason for Approval:

1.         The proposal was considered having regard to the statutory provisions of The Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Policies HBA4, HBA6, LA5 and ARCH7 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan and the guidance contained in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Having due regard to the above, the Council concludes that the development would not adversely affect the setting of the adjoining Grade I Listed Building and would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area in accordance with Policies HBA4 and HBA6 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.  The imposition of a site observation considered is considered to address the potential archaeological interest of the site as one within the area of Archaeological Interest would secure compliance with Policy ARCH7.

Informative:

1.         The developer is asked to note the minimum of 5 days’ written notice of the commencement of any development that should be served on the County Archaeology Service as per the requirements of condition The developer is advised to contact Mr Julian Cotton (County Archaeological Advisor) on 01432 383350.

2.         The developer is notified that the seating and trees to be removed should be reused/replanted in a suitable location at the earliest opportunity.  For further advice please contact Planning Services.