Installation of 2no. CCTV columns, cameras and ancillary equipment as part of Clacton-on-Sea Safer Streets Scheme.

Members were told that this application was before the Committee as Tendring District Council was the landowner and applicant.

Members were reminded that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of 2no. CCTV and supporting columns on the back edge of the public footway, along the Upper Promenade, off Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea.

Officers made Members aware that the application proposed two 9-metre-high column poles, which included the 1-metre-high swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top providing a 360-degree view along Marine Parade West and into Alton Road and the second positioned to look down Penfold Road. Both were supplemented by a proposed fixed camera giving a 180 degree view up Alton Road from its junction with Marine Parade West and Penfold Road and its junction with Marine Parade West.

Members were informed that the proposed columns were of a similar height and appearance as existing street light columns and would be viewed in the context of the existing tall lighting columns. The development would not appear prominent, out of character or visually harmful within the street scene.

Furthermore, the CCTV columns, as identified by the Council’s heritage consultants, would have some harm in terms of ‘less than substantial’ harm upon the significance and setting of the historic lampposts, however, the public benefit for the installation of the CCTV cameras to provide security in public areas was considered to outweigh that level of harm and the proposed development was considered to preserve the character and appearance of the Clacton Seafront Conservation Area.

Members heard that the proposed development formed part of the Safer Streets Programme aiming to combat place-based crime through situational crime prevention. The proposed 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 Planning Officer (OA) in respect of the application.

There had been no updates circulated to Members prior to the meeting in relation to this application.

Andrew White, representing the applicant, spoke in favour of the application.

It was moved by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Alexander 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.4), 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.