Provision of security cameras fixed to the exterior of the building and provision of boundary fencing for safeguarding purposes.

Applications approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendations and changes to conditions.

The planning officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda.

 

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Fowler, spoke in objection to the application.

 

In accordance with the Council’s constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. The following principal points were raised:

 

·       The security cameras on Churchill House were accepted as a necessity to deter crime and anti-social behaviour;

·       There was concern that the proposed fencing would adversely affect the open nature of the park and would deter people from walking through the park to the sensory garden; mitigation was required to ensure people would continue to access the sensory garden;

·       The occupation of the building should help to deter anti-social behaviour therefore the need for the fencing was questioned;

·       Concern had been expressed by local residents that the proposed fencing was utilitarian and ugly in appearance;

·       The fencing was proposed in a conservation area, adjacent to a listed building and needed to be more sympathetic to the sensitive location.

 

The committee debated the application; there was agreement that there was a need for the installation of CCTV cameras on the building but there was division among the members of the committee concerning the acceptability of the fencing proposed to enclose Churchill House. It was the contention of some members that the height and colour of the fence would not represent an adverse impact on the heritage asset whilst other members felt that the fencing was unnecessary and not in-keeping with the listed building and local area.

 

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. 

 

The development manager explained that a change to the conditions in the report was required; condition 3 (Fencing – Appearance) proposed as part of the listed building consent (251667) required transfer to proposed conditions listed for the full application (251666).

 

Councillor Stef Simmons and Councillor Dave Davies seconded a motion that applications 251666 and 251667 be approved, in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation and subject to the change to conditions as outlined above.

 

Application 251666 was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

 

Application 251667 was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

 

RESOLVED – that

 

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

 

PLANNING APPLICATION (REFERENCE NO. 251666)

 

1. Time limit for commencement

 

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

 

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

 

2. Development in accordance with approved plans

 

The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans (383 – 05; 383 – 06; 383 – 07; 383 – 03; and 383 – 09; 383 – 04 REV B (received via email 26th January 2026) except where otherwise stipulated by conditions attached to this permission.

 

Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development and to comply with Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy, and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

3. Development in accordance with approved Tree Report

 

Except where otherwise stipulated by condition, the development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the following documents and plan: Tree Report – Arbortech – 10th July 2025.

 

All excavations for post holes within root protection areas of retained trees should by supervised by an appointed Arboriculturist for the works specified.

 

Reason: To ensure that the development is carried out only as approved by the Local Planning Authority and to conform with Policies LD1 and LD3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

 

 

 

 

LISTED BUILDING CONSENT (REFERENCE NO. 251667)

 

That Listed Building Consent be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers

 

1. Time limit for commencement

 

The works hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

 

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

 

2. Development in accordance with approved plans

 

The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans (383 – 05; 383 – 06; 383 – 07; 383 – 03; and 383 – 09; 383 – 04 REV B (received via email 26th January 2026) except where otherwise stipulated by conditions attached to this permission.

 

Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans and to ensure that special regard is paid to protecting the special architectural and historic interest and integrity of the building under Section 16 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and in accordance with policy LD4 of the Herefordshire Local Plan - Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

3. Fencing – Appearance

 

The fencing hereby permitted shall have a matt soft black finish which shall be maintained thereafter.

 

Reason: To ensure that special regard is paid to protecting the special architectural and historic interest and integrity of the building in accordance with policy LD4 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy, the National Planning Policy Framework and under Section 16 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

 

 

INFORMATIVES:

 

PLANNING APPLICATION (REFERENCE NO. 251666)

 

1. Application approved following revisions

 

The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations. Negotiations in respect of matters of concern with the application (as originally submitted) have resulted in amendments to the proposal. As a result, the Local Planning Authority has been able to grant planning permission for an acceptable proposal, in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

2. Wildlife Protection Informative

 

The Authority would advise the applicant (and their contractors) that they have a legal Duty of Care as regards wildlife protection. The majority of UK wildlife is subject to some level of legal protection through the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981 as amended), with enhanced protection for special “protected species” such as Great Crested Newts, all Bat species, Otters, Dormice, Crayfish and reptile species that are present and widespread across the County. All nesting birds are legally protected from disturbance at any time of the year. Care should be taken to plan work and at all times of the year undertake the necessary precautionary checks and develop relevant working methods prior to work commencing. If in any doubt it advised that advice from a local professional ecology consultant is obtained.

 

3. Biodiversity Net Gain (Not Required) Informative