Agenda item

Retention of erected fence.

The application is before the Planning Committee as Tendring District Council is the landowner.

This application seeks retrospective permission for the retention of an erected fence that requires planning permission as it is more than one metre in height adjacent to a highway.

Earlier on in the meeting, Councillor Bakerhad declared for the public record in relation to this application that he was pre-determined and that therefore he would not participate in the Committee’s deliberations and decision making for this application. He had further stated that he would be speaking against the application, as a member of the public and as a resident of Holland-on-Sea.

It was reported that this application was before the Planning Committee as Tendring District Council (TDC) was the landowner.

The Committee was informed that this application sought retrospective permission for the retention of an erected fence that required planning permission as it was more than one metre in height adjacent to a highway.

Officers had noted that, before the fence the subject of this application, there had been a conifer hedge in place that had had some limited fencing (post and wire) set within the hedge.  The removal of the hedge had not needed any form of consent and its actual removal was not a material consideration and was lawful.  A fence of any design up to one metre high would be permitted development without the need of planning permission and this fall back position was a material consideration. This proposal for a fencing up to 2.3 metres had been considered on its merits as needing permission by reason of its height.  

Officers had further noted that the fence was sited along the northern boundary, facing Madeira Road, and was therefore visible to the public views of the street scene. The fence was taller than the neighbouring front facing fences in the immediate proximity, however, fences of a similar height could be seen in nearby street scenes such as Cliff Road and Dulwich Road. The fence was not deemed to appear overly dominant or out of character in this location given the variation of its design that included both solid and trellis elements. The fence was a good quality design and would weather and soften in appearance. It was therefore considered to be of an acceptable design and appearance.

Overall, therefore, the works were considered by Officers to result in minor changes to the visual characteristics of the area and would have no significant harmful impact on visual amenities.

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 Development Technician (CC) in respect of the application.

Carol Cooper, a Trustee of Holland-on-Sea Bowls Club (the applicant), spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Andy Baker spoke against the application in his capacity as a member of the public and resident of Holland-on-Sea. He then left the meeting whilst the Committee deliberated on this matter and reached its decision.

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

RESOLVED that –

(a)    the Planning Manager be authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the planning conditions as stated at paragraph 8.2 of item A.4 of the Report of the Director (Planning), or varied as is necessary to ensure the wording of those conditions 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

(b)    the informative notes, as may be deemed necessary, being sent to the applicant.