Agenda item

Public Participation

Mrs Clare Evans spoke in support of the application.

Mrs Maureen Lloyd spoke in support of the application.

Mr Eric Stubbs spoke in support of the application.

The Planning Officer presented a report which recommended approval. He explained the current lack of lift facilities at Chippenham station and adequate provision for disabled or frail railway users. It was clarified that, at present, there were no plans for lift access on the north side of the station.

The Officer also stressed the presence of the Listed Building of the main station was a consideration, as was the appearance of the design, but that the plans had been amended several times during the planning process.

Members of the Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the officers.

Members of the public then had the opportunity to address the Committee on the application, as detailed above.

The Local Member, Cllr Chris Caswill, requested the Committee defer the item to encourage a more appropriate visual design to be presented.

A debate followed, wherein the utilitarian design of the bridge was discussed, and specific materials for the cladding of towers and bridge assessed. Access to the lifts at night was also raised as a concern, which was clarified as a management issue for Network Rail. The environment consideration to reduce Wiltshire’s carbon footprint by encouraging increased rail usage, and the need to provide for those currently unable to easily use the station was also discussed.

It was,

Resolved:

In respect of 11/03802/DEM:

NO OBJECTION for the following reason:

The proposed demolition of the existing footbridge is considered to have a neutral or positive impact upon the setting of the Listed Building and the Chippenham Conservation Area.  The replacement footbridge is considered likely to cause some harm to the Conservation Area and setting of listed building.  However, the significant benefit to the community and users of the railway station through the creation of an accessible footbridge to the platform and rail services is considered to outweigh any harm that may be caused by the construction of the footbridge. The proposal is considered therefore to comply with the requirements of PPS5, with specific reference to Policy HE9.4. and Policies C3, HE1 and HE4 of the North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011.

Subject to the following condition:

1. No development shall commence on site until details of the stone work and zinc cladding to the lift towers and finish of the footbridge to be used on the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

REASON: In the interests of visual amenity and the character and appearance of the area.

In respect of Listed Building Consent 11/3798/LBC:

Listed Building consent be GRANTED for the following reason:

The proposed demolition of the existing footbridge is considered to have a neutral or positive impact upon the setting of the Listed Building.  The replacement footbridge is considered likely to cause some harm to the setting of listed building.  However, the significant benefit to the community and users of the railway station through the creation of an accessible footbridge to the platform and rail services is considered to outweigh any harm that may be caused by the construction of the footbridge.  The proposal is considered therefore to comply with the requirements of PPS5, with specific reference to Policy HE9.4.

Subject to the following conditions:

1. The works for which Listed Building Consent is hereby granted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

REASON:  To comply with the provisions of Section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2. No development shall commence on site until details of the stone work and zinc cladding to the lift towers and finish (including painted) of the footbridge to be used on the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

REASON: In the interests of visual amenity and the character and appearance of the area

3. The development hereby permitted shall be implemented in accordance with the submitted plans and documents listed below. No variation from the approved plans should be made without the prior approval of the local planning authority. Amendments may require the submission of a further application.

Site location plan; drawing Numbers 1031314/CHI/EAR/DRG: 001b; 002C; 003E; 004E; 005F; 006E; 008; and 008.1 and Drawing number 1031314/CHI/A/226 Rev F

Planning Statement Incorporating Design and Access Statement and Heritage Statement

REASON: To ensure that the development is implemented as approved.

INFORMATIVE:

Network Rail and the Train Operating Company should have consideration for the need to ensure that the lifts are made available for their timely use prior to and after the first and last trains of the day.