Agenda item

Planning Application Documents

The officer introduced the application as set out in her report, recommending that permission be granted, subject to conditions.  

The Chair repeated his concern that the Member who called the application in to committee wasn’t in attendance.

Public speakers

Neighbour, in objection

The neighbour began by saying that he and other neighbours whose properties back onto the site have no objection to a new scout hut, recognising that the current building is outdated and needs replacing.  They are, however, concerned about the siting of the proposed building and the potential for noise and disruption:

-       the proposed building is substantially larger than the existing, and although the consultant has advised that the intensity of use won’t increase, the scout trustees have stated that, while the building will be used first and foremost for scouting, they anticipate higher levels of usage, from inclusive youth programmes to other local organisations which lack suitable venues.  This raises serious concerns for residents, increasing the potential for noise and late night activities.  The planning officer has said that permission is recommended subject to conditions, but there appears to be no mention of this in the report.  Residents request, therefore that consideration is given to a condition regulating use of the premises;

-       a major concern for neighbours is that the new building is proposed just 5 feet from their rear fences, with the drop to Leckhampton Hill held in place by a substantial retaining wall.  They would therefore request that the new building is stepped back by a couple of feet.  The trustees have stated that there will be a significant gap between the new hut and the retaining wall, larger than the existing gap, but there doesn’t appear to be any mention of this in the report or conditions.  Neighbours request that steps are taken to ensure that this happens

Resident, in support

Speaking as a trustee of the scout group and a parent, the speaker made the following comments:

-       the development is necessary to continue the provision of a valuable service.  The scout hut has served the community for over 50 years, benefitting thousands of children and community groups.  The building is dilapidated, poorly insulated, and lacking modern facilities, including accessibility features; redevelopment will address these issues and provide valuable services for years to come;

-       the scout group is a responsible neighbour, and although in place long before the adjacent houses, has made every effort to respect neighbours’ interest, with no noisy or late-night activities, and actively encouraging participation at events.  Neighbours have been extensively consulted on the proposed design, resulting in fewer windows facing their properties, more sound insulation, and the increase in height kept to a minimum of 20cm;

-       the proposed development has broad community support, with more than a hundred children enrolled at any one time, all supportive of the proposal. Responses in support outweigh those in objection, and the planning consultant who has supported preparation of the application on a pro bono basis is a resident of Leckhampton Views.

Questions

There were no Member questions

Debate

Members made the following comments:

-       the report is balanced, reasonable and rational, and there are no planning grounds to refuse the application;

-       the importance of the scout movement cannot be overstated, with children and young people on the streets susceptible to crime, and a lack of third party community spaces in the town.  This proposal is absolutely necessary to allow the scouts to continue their important work;

-       the small increase in height will not impact views – although this is not a planning consideration.

The Chair said everyone endorsed the importance of the scouting movement.

Vote on officer recommendation to permit

9 in support – unanimous

PERMIT