The application relates to Martello Tower F which is located on Marine Parade West near the junction with Tower Road, Clacton on Sea. The building is a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument, a Grade II Listed Building and is also located within the Clacton Seafront Conservation Area.

Councillor Alexander had earlier declared a personal interest in Planning Application 20/00084/FUL Martello Tower F, Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 due to being a Ward Member however, he was not predisposed.

Members were informed that this application was before the Planning Committee as the site was within the ownership of Tendring District Council.

It was reported that the application related to Martello Tower F which was located on Marine Parade West near the junction with Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea. The building was a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument, a Grade II Listed Building and was also located within the Clacton Seafront Conservation Area.

The application sought full planning permission for the change of use of the building to a wedding venue and conference centre. The application only sought planning permission for the proposed use and did not propose any alterations to the building. Any future alterations to the building would be the subject of separate applications for planning permission, listed building consent and Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent (as required).

The Committee was informed that Historic England and Essex County Council Historic Environment had raised no objection to the change of use and supported the approach to find a new, sustainable and viable use for this important historic structure subject to full consideration of all proposed physical alterations to the building and its curtilage.

The Council’s Environmental Protection Team had also raised no objection subject to the submission and approval of a Noise Management Plan. This would deal with issues around amplified music and noise from extraction systems and potential disturbance from activities outside the building.

The site was located within a highly sustainable Town Centre location with plenty of on street parking and public transport links and Essex County Council Highways had raised no objection.

Officers felt that Martello Tower F was an important historic building and an important landmark that contributed to the character and appearance of the area. There was nothing to suggest that the proposed use would not represent a suitable and viable use which would help to safeguard the future of the building and ensure that its history, architecture and cultural significance are enjoyed by future generations. The application was therefore recommended by Officers for approval subject to appropriate 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 Team Leader (SCE) in respect of the application.

An update sheet had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of:

(a)      An additional representation received:

Email of support received from Councillor Chris Griffiths (St James Ward).

(b)      Additional information provided by agent via email dated 11/08/2020 regarding the potential capacity of the venue which can be summarised as follows:

•             The capacity will depend on when the use starts and whether the Covid-19 spacing arrangements are still in place.

•             If permission is granted then the operator will have to get a Certificate from the Fire Officer and they will specify a capacity.

•             The size of the space has the potential for accommodating approximately 80 people in ‘normal’ conditions.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Fowler and unanimously RESOLVED that the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant planning permission for the development, subject to:

Conditions and Reasons:

1.            The use 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.            Prior to the commencement of the use and occupation of the development, a Noise Impact Assessment and Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The survey and plan shall address, but not be restricted to, the opening hours, all types and locations of entertainment and associated activities and details of extraction and plant equipment. The use shall only operate in strict accordance with the approved details and shall not commence until the measures set out in the Noise Management Plan have been implemented in full. Such measures as approved and implemented shall be retained in perpetuity unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason – To ensure that nearby noise sensitive premises do not suffer a loss of amenity by reason of noise nuisance.

3.            Prior to the commencement of the use and occupation of the development, a detailed external lighting scheme including the intensity of illumination and predicted lighting contours shall be provided. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details, provided prior to the occupation of the development and retained in this approved form unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason - To ensure lighting is sensitively designed and minimises light spillage in the interests of residential amenities and the character and appearance of the Clacton Seafront Conservation Area.