Agenda item

Public Participation

Mr Charles Boase, Mr Peter Stubbs and Mr Paul Davis spoke in objection to the application.

The Planning Officer introduced the report which recommended that planning application be granted subject to conditions.

It was explained that this application was on existing open space and that it was aimed at addressing existing anti-social behaviour issues. Concern over noise had been partially addressed by the use of noise reduction fencing. The Committee’s attention was drawn to the late observations which detailed slight changes to the wording in the conditions after legal advice.

The Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions and it was explained whilst litter and bins were not specifically mentioned details of maintenance were required as part of the management plan.

Members of the Public then had the opportunity to address the Committee with their views as detailed above.

The Local Member, Councillor Toby Howard Marshall spoke in support of the application.

The ensuing debate highlighted concerns over noise, the site of the target game on the outside wall and the need for a six month review. It was noted that it was for Calne Town Council to manage and care was needed not to micro-manage through conditions. It was suggested that the applicant seek to involve the local schools.

At the end of the debate it was:-

Resolved:

To GRANT Planning Permission for the following reason:

The proposed development, by virtue of its siting, scale, design and materials, will not harm the character or appearance of the site or result in loss of residential amenity to neighbours. The proposal represents a valuable piece of community infrastructure and therefore accords with Policies C3 and CF2 of the adopted North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011.

Subject to the following conditions:

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

REASON:  To comply with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.    The fences shown on the approved plans shall be erected prior to the first use of the facility hereby permitted and retained in perpetuity thereafter and shall incorporate the neoprene dampening feature as detailed in the Design and Access Statement accompanying the application.

REASON: In the interests of the amenity of the area and the prevention of noise nuisance.

3.    No development shall commence on site (including any works of demolition), until a Management Plan, which shall include the following:

a)            details of any CCTV system to be installed;

b)           details of proposed hours of operation, including the means by which the facility is to be secured, if applicable;

c)            details of any schedule of routine inspections/maintenance;

d)           details of any anticipated Police involvement with the facility; and

e)            details of any anticipated ongoing dialogue with neighbours of the facility

f)             details of a review of the facility after the first six months of operation (to assess, amongst other things, opening times, arrangements for security and the locking of gates, site maintenance, litter, weekend staffing arrangements, use of the external target (street snooker) boards and any requirement to remove the boards due to noise disturbance)

has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. The approved Plan shall be adhered to thereafter. The development shall not be carried out otherwise than in accordance with the approved Management Plan without the prior written permission of the Local Planning Authority.

REASON: To minimise detrimental effects to the neighbouring amenities and the amenities of the area in general.

4.    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 Plan

Tarmac/Groundwork Specification

Proposed Elevations, Plans and Details

Design and Access Statement

Received 16 July 2012

Sports Fencing Specification

Street Snooker Structural Specification

Fencing Noise Dampener Specification

Received 25 September 2012

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

To be advised as additional information:

Informative:

1.    No permission has been sought or given in respect of any external lighting. Thus in the event it is needed, planning permission is required.

Wiltshire Council would encourage the applicants to involve both local residents and local schools in the development of the management plan (which is required in condition 3 of the decision notice) to ensure that as many of their concerns and requests as possible are adequately addressed.