Agenda item

Public Participation

Maureen Lloyd and Cllr John Scragg, Chippenham Town Council spoke in support of the application

The officer introduced the report which recommended that no objection be made to the demolition notice and that listed building consent be granted subject to conditions.

He explained that the stepped access on the south side of the previously approved scheme had been the subject on a land ownership issue and it was this element that had been redesigned. The existing bridge was not contemporaneous with Great Western Railway (GWR) or the listed Brunel station building. The proposal added step free access to the central platform and the southern side, benefitting people with impaired movement, cycles and pushchairs. Attention was drawn to the late observations which addressed concerns over the dull grey colour used in illustrations by way of condition.

The Committee then had the chance to ask technical questions of officers and it was confirmed that the Committee could add a condition insisting on real stone cladding around the lift towers. The height of the lift towers were dictated by both safety and the future line electricification.

Members of the public then addressed the Committee as detailed above.

The local member, Cllr Caswill addressed the Committee and raised concerns over the colour scheme and the redesign bring the structure closer to the listed building. He noted the improvements relating to lighting that had been made, and noted the criticism from conservation officers.

In the debate that followed Committee members noted their support and highlighted the need to add a condition regarding the use of real stone cladding. Late night access was discussed as was the need for a lift to be installed as soon as funds were available.

Resolved:

In respect of Listed Building Consent 13/01094/LBC

To GRANT Listed Building consentfor 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 The National Planning Policy Framework.

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 materials to be used on the lift towers, to include real stone cladding, and finish and colour 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.

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

INFORMATIVE

1.    Wiltshire Council wish to ensure that there is as short a time period as possible between the removal of the existing footbridge and the first use of the new replacement bridge.  This route is well used by local residents and, whilst the new bridge is considered to bring many benefits, the Councils would wish to see temporary inconvenience experienced when the route is not available minimized as far as possible.  Similarly, the Council would also urge the applicants to seek to provide the third lift tower on the northern side of the railway line as soon as practically possible, as this will be of further benefit to the residents of Chippenham.

In respect of 13/1067/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 The National Planning Policy Framework 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 materials to be used on the lift towers and finish and colour 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.