Erection/installation of CCTV columns, cameras and ancillary equipment.

The Committee heard that this application was before the Planning Committee as Tendring District Council was the applicant.

It was reported that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of a CCTV camera and supporting column on the highway edge of the public footway at the Car Park for Clacton Leisure Centre, Vista Road.

Members were told that the application proposed a 12-metre-high column, positioned at a location of an existing parking sign (parking sign plate to be relocated onto new column) with a swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top (giving a 360-degree view around the Car Park), supplemented by a proposed fixed camera. The columns would be painted black (same appearance as the existing columns elsewhere within Clacton).

The Committee was informed that the proposal was of a similar height and appearance as existing street light columns and other existing CCTV columns in the Town and would not appear prominent or harmful within the street scene.

The Committee was made aware that the proposal formed part of the Safer Streets Programme aiming to combat place-based crime through situational crime prevention. The proposals were supported by The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner by provision of funding to deliver the intended works. The development would contribute to the Council's Corporate Plan ‘Our Vision’ 2024/25 and 2024 – 2028 Theme, Championing our local environment.

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 Head of Planning and Building Control (JP-G) in respect of the application.

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which informed the Committee of a minor word changing of:-

“Paragraph 7.5 – Minor change to wording should read 8 metres and not 12 metres high”

There were no public speakers on this occasion.

It was moved by Councillor Alexander, seconded by Councillor Goldman and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant full planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.5), or varied as is necessary to ensure the wording is enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other respects, including appropriate updates, so long as the principle of the conditions as referenced is retained; and,

2)    the sending of any informative notes to the applicant as may be deemed necessary.