Agenda item

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 - To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

 2       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

Proposed east garden wall works revision 2.2 received 10th February 2021;

Drawing titled 'gate design for opening between tennis court lawn and pool garden';

Drawing titled 'Gate design for opening between main lawn and tennis court - left hand gate';

Photo titled 'Gate design for the wooden gate to be located in the existing opening in the north east corner of the walled garden';

Drawing titled 'Gate design for opening between main lawn and tennis court - right hand gate'; and

Drawing titled 'The proposed view of the gates for the gap between the shed and the repaired wall'.

Reason - For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

 3       Prior to relaying and replacing the bricks on the east wall and prior to laying the bricks to infill the section next to the shed the following shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority:

A sample of the red brick proposed; and

Details of the mortar mix, profile and finish.

Reason - To ensure that special regard is paid to the architectural interest and integrity of the walls surrounding the garden.

4        Within 3 months of the date of this decision or prior to the reuse of the spoil material excavated from the swimming pool if this is sooner, an archaeological investigation of the spoil material shall be completed. Following completion of the archaeological investigation, the applicant will submit to the local planning authority a post-investigation assessment (within six months of the completion date, unless otherwise agreed in advance with the planning authority), which will result in the completion of post-investigation analysis, preparation of a site archive and report ready for deposition at the local museum, and submission of a publication report. A professional archaeologist or team of archaeologists should undertake the archaeological work. A brief outlining the level of archaeological investigation will be issued by Essex County Council Place Services on request.

Reason - The Essex Historic Environment Record shows that the development is located within an area with potential for below ground archaeological deposits.

Application – 20/01524/LBC

1        The works hereby permitted shall begin before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

Reason - To comply with the requirements of Section 18(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2        The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

            Proposed east garden wall works revision 2.2 received 10th February 2021;

            Drawing titled 'gate design for opening between tennis court lawn and pool garden';

            Drawing titled 'Gate design for opening between main lawn and tennis court - left hand gate';

            Photo titled 'Gate design for the wooden gate to be located in the existing opening in the north east corner of the walled garden';

            Drawing titled 'Gate design for opening between main lawn and tennis court - right hand gate'; and

            Drawing titled 'The proposed view of the gates for the gap between the shed and the repaired wall'.

Reason - For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

 3       Prior to relaying and replacing the bricks on the east wall and prior to laying the bricks to infill the section next to the shed the following shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority:

          A sample of the red brick proposed; and

          Details of the mortar mix, profile and finish.

Reason - To ensure that special regard is paid to the architectural interest and integrity of the walls surrounding the garden.

4        Within 3 months of the date of this decision or prior to the reuse of the spoil material excavated from the swimming pool if this is sooner, an archaeological investigation of the spoil material shall be completed. Following completion of the archaeological investigation, the applicant will submit to the local planning authority a post-investigation assessment (within six months of the completion date, unless otherwise agreed in advance with the planning authority), which will result in the completion of post-investigation analysis, preparation of a site archive and report ready for deposition at the local museum, and submission of a publication report. A professional archaeologist or team of archaeologists should undertake the archaeological work. A brief outlining the level of archaeological investigation will be issued by Essex County Council Place Services on request.

Reason - The Essex Historic Environment Record shows that the development is located within an area with potential for below ground archaeological deposits.