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

Councillor Everett declared an interest in relation to this Planning Application as he worked opposite the proposed application site and that he would therefore not participate in the discussions and decision-making. Councillor Everett thereupon left the room.

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

Members were told that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of CCTV cameras and a supporting column on the highway edge of the public footway, outside no. 48 Wellesley Road, Clacton-on-Sea.

The Committee was informed that the application proposed a 12-metre-high column, with a swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top (giving a 360-degree view along Wellesley Road in both directions, and into Meredith Road), supplemented by a proposed fixed camera giving a 180 degree view up Meredith Road from its junction with Wellesley Road.

Members were made aware 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, out of character or visually harmful within the street scene.

Officers reminded Members 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 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.

There were no updates circulated to Members prior to the meeting on this occasion.

There were no public speakers on this occasion.

It was moved by Councillor Alexander, seconded by Councillor Sudra and:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.8), 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.