Issue - meetings

Proposed swimming pool in the south side of the walled gardens. Proposed repair of walls, the raising of the east wall, a flight of brick steps, and the reinstatement of the original and new gates to the existing openings of the garden. (Part retrospective).

It was reported that these planning applications had been referred to the Planning Committee by Councillor Scott on the grounds that, in his opinion, “a full archaeological investigation scheme was not undertaken, the requirement of a justification for an increase in wall height, the need for new materials to be assessed by experts in the field of historic building restoration. For example, the type of lime mortar being considered and for samples provided of bricks that are to be used in any works, and mortar samples should be taken of completed works to ensure the lime/sand/mortar mix is acceptable.”

Members were made aware that the applications sought retrospective planning permission and retrospective listed building consent for a swimming pool in the south walled gardens, repair to part of a wall that had been storm damaged and a flight of steps.

The applications also sought planning permission and listed building consent to repair and raise the east garden wall, reinstate the original and new gates to the existing openings in the garden, and build a small section of wall to infill next to the shed to be able to install a gate.

Officers acknowledged that it was regrettable that some works had been completed which had not allowed the necessary archaeological investigations to take place. However, the applications presented a development that was, in their view, acceptable in terms of design, visual impact and heritage considerations and were therefore recommended for approval subject to the necessary planning conditions.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Managerin respect of the application.

An update sheet had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting informing it that the applicants, through their agent, had confirmed that the spoil material from the swimming pool was available within the grounds of Alresford Hall on land that was part of the old Nursery. As the spoil was still available Officers proposed that an archaeological investigation of the material should take place which would confirm or deny if there was anything of interest and would allow the processing and recording of any finds. Should the Committee accept the Officers’ recommendation of approval it was proposed to add a further planning condition securing that archaeological investigation.

Councillor Scott, a local Ward Member, addressed the Committee on these applications.

Will Marsden, the applicant, spoke in support of the applications.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Harris and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that the Assistant Director (Planning) (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant planning permission and listed building consent for the development, subject to the following conditions (and reasons):-

Application - 20/01523/FUL

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

Reason -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110