Agenda item

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda and with the aid of a power point presentation showed the site and proposed plans. 

He explained the application has been referred to committee as SSDC are the applicant and referred to the key considerations being the effect upon visual amenity and impact on public safety.

In response to members’ questions the Planning Officer explained:

·         Only the welcome sign would be fixed to the outside fencing, all other board signs were single sided facing inwards.

·         Confirmed the signs would be made of acceptable material with low noise impact.

Viv Cornelius then addressed the committee and spoke in objection to the application.  She voiced her concern regarding the noise impact the hockey balls would have on hitting the boards, however was pleased that the material had been changed to mitigate this issue.

During a short discussion members raised several issues including the following:

·         Considered the signs were unobtrusive and would have minimal visual impact on the surrounding area.

·         Request that a condition be made to ensure the backing material of the signs be of’ uniform green’ to assimilate with the surrounding area

·         A member voiced concern regarding the impact of noise for local residents.

The Locum Planning Solicitor advised members that legislation is in place to deal with any noise issues that may arise in the future and that this was not a consideration for members.

It was then proposed and subsequently seconded that planning permission be approved as per the officers recommendation and as set out in the agenda report and subject to the condition regarding the colouring of the signs.  On being put to the vote this was carried by 10 votes in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions.

RESOLVED:

That application 15/00283/ADV be approved for the following reason:

01.       The proposal, by virtue of the siting, design, number, materials, scale and non-illumination is in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area, causes no harm to visual or residential amenity and does not prejudice public safety and is in accordance with the aims and objectives of policy EQ2 (General Development) of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012) and the NPPF Chapter 7: Requiring Good Design.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01.       (a) All advertisements displayed and any land used for the display of advertisements shall be maintained in a clean and tidy condition to the reasonable satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.

            (b) Any hoarding or similar structure or any sign, placard, board or device erected or used principally for the purpose of displaying advertisements shall be maintained in a safe condition to the reasonable satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.

            (c) Where any advertisement is required under these Regulations to be removed, the removal thereof shall be carried out to the reasonable satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.

            (d) Before any advertisement is displayed on land in accordance with the consent now granted, the permission of the owner of that land, or of a person entitled to grant such permission, shall be obtained.

            (e) The consent now granted is limited to a period of five years from the date hereof.

            Reason: To accord with The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007.

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

            Location plan for proposed signage and block plan date stamped as received 29 January 2015, two photograph montages date stamped as received 15 January 2015 and with the confirmation of material of the 30 advertisements (number 2) for the spectator fencing as vinyl as confirmed by the applicant via e-mail dated 11 March 2015

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

03.       The 30 advertisements (to be located on the inner mesh fence) hereby approved shall be backed in a uniform green or grey colour.

            Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to comply with EQ2 (General Development) of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012) and the NPPF Chapter 7: Requiring Good Design.

(voting; 10 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions)