Agenda item

Proposal: Application to formalise the use of existing overflow car park to allow use by Yeovil College including 3 No. 5m high lighting columns (with double lamps) and 2.4m high fencing

The Area Lead Planner presented the application as detailed in the agenda and with the aid of a powerpoint presentation showed the site and proposed plans.  She updated members that:

·         Additional comments had been received from the highways consultant following discussion with locals and although maintains he cannot object to the application he has made recommendations regarding additional works necessary.  These include the installation of an additional footpath at Pickett Lane, additional signage and road marking on the car park, trimming back of trees around the existing lighting column and the seeking of an additional sum for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to implement waiting orders in Pickett Lane.

·         Additional letters of objection had been received reiterating objections already outlined in report and concerns regarding who will maintain the car park, how the proposal would impact on the proposed clubhouse extension, who will pay for the additional requirements of the highways consultant, concern regarding the use of the back passageway to the college, safety of users of the car park in the winter months and that the car park at Chilton Grove was currently underused

The Area Lead Planner referred to the key considerations being the need for additional car parking, Highway safety and Impact upon residential amenity.  She believed given the roadside parking problems at the college there was justification for additional parking and after consideration and discussion with the Council’s engineers believed the additional footpath to be slightly onerous. She also said the addition of the TRO could be considered at a later date.  She did however believe the additional signage to be acceptable and that an additional condition could be imposed to include this request.

The Area Lead Planner therefore concluded that after considering all of the responses and issues, as outlined in the agenda report, her proposal was to approve the application and the conditions as set out in the agenda report with an additional condition to include the a scheme for signage and white lining of the car park.

Three members of the public then spoke in objection to the proposed development.  Their comments included:

·         Concern with regard to the disability access to the site with no dropped pavement up to the site entrance.

·         Access gate to the car park only wide enough for one car to enter or exit the site with no separate pedestrian gate proposed.

·         Confusion over who has overall priority use of the car park.

·         Safety concerns due to the large increase in traffic on Picket Lane and Marsh Lane.

·         Safety concerns for pedestrians/cars/cyclists as Pickett Lane already a very narrow lane with entrance to the car park on a blind bend and increase in traffic will only exacerbate this problem.

·         Concerned about anti-social behaviour if gates are not locked until 10pm.

·         Council should look at other solutions for the college such as promoting cycling, walking, public transport and car sharing.

·         Believed the car park at Chilton Road is underutilised.

In response to questions the Area lead Planner and Lead Specialist – Planning informed members that:

·         The leasing agreement ensure use of the car park during the day is for College staff and students only, permits will be provided.

·         The aid of mirrors to help local residents are not favoured by the highway authority and therefore would not support this proposal.

Councillor Wes Read, Ward member raised his concern regarding the width of the access gate and the omission of a separate pedestrian access at the entrance to the site. 

During discussion members sought clarification regarding the width of the access gate and believed that a separate pedestrian gate be installed at the entrance in the interest of pedestrian safety.   They appreciated the concerns of the local residents however were satisfied that the implementation of a pedestrian gate would mitigate any concerns and that the proposed lighting and siting of the columns was acceptable.

Following a short discussion it was then proposed and subsequently seconded that planning permission be approved as per the officers recommendation as set out in the agenda report with the inclusion of two additional conditions to include:

·         The installation of a separate pedestrian gate at the entrance to the car park

·         A scheme of signage and white lining

And

An informative to advise the applicant to clear the vegetation around the existing street lamp near the entrance to the site in order to ensure appropriate lighting at the entrance.

On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

That application 18/01765/R3D be APPROVED for the following reasons:

01.          The proposed development, due to its location, scale and nature, is not considered to result in any demonstrable harm to the highway safety or residential amenity and therefore accords with the aims and objectives of TA5 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012).

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

            Reason:  To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans; Drawing No.'s AS-115-1, AS-115-3, AS-115-2B; and details of lighting received 5/6/2018.  

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

03.       The floodlights hereby approved shall only be operated when the car park is open and will be switched off when the car park is closed. No other means of illumination shall be installed unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

            Reason:  To safeguard the character of the area and to protect residential amenity to accord with policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028).

04.       Prior to the first use of the car park, a travel plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This should include measures to promote sustainable travel along with a timetable for the implementation of the measures. The development shall not be used unless the agreed measures are being implemented in accordance with the agreed timetable. The measures should then continue to be implemented as long as any part of the development is used.

            Reasons: In order to promote alternative means of travel in the interests of sustainability.

05.       Prior to the first use of the car park by Yeovil College staff/students, a pedestrian gate (separate from the vehicular access) shall be installed at the entrance and permanently maintained and retained as such.

Reason: In the interests of pedestrian safety in accordance with Policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028.

06.       Prior to the first use of the car park by Yeovil College staff/students, a scheme of signage and white lining shall be implemented in accordance with a scheme that shall have been submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interests of pedestrian and highway safety in accordance with Policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028.

Informative

1.    The applicant is advised to clear the vegetation around the existing street lamp near the entrance to the site in order to ensure appropriate lighting at the entrance.

(voting: unanimous in favour)