Agenda item

Replace storage kiosk.  Retention and relocation of Bamford's Water Pump.  Demolition of stone and concrete plinth.

The Case Officer presented to members the proposal which was to replace storage kiosk. Retention and relocation of Bamford's Water Pump. Demolition of stone and concrete plinth.

With the aid of visual representation, members were shown the location of the site, the new proposed layout, and designs, as well as photographs of the existing temporary storage kiosk. Details were provided regarding the site being within the settlement boundary and conservation area. The Case Officer also provided members with details regarding impacts on listed buildings in the area and neighbouring properties. Members were informed that the increased building size would increase the visual impact within the AONB and from the Quay and it was not considered to positively integrate with the area. The Case Officer discussed the application site being within the conservation area and identified that there would be harm to heritage assets with the level of harm being less than substantial. Details regarding flood risks was also provided as the site location was within flood zones 2 and 3.

Public Participation

The applicant’s representative encouraged the committee to grant planning permission. He informed members that the site had been operating for many years and the harbour has been a popular area for visitors. Mr Jones informed members that the current storage kiosk was an ugly structure which wasn’t fit for purpose anymore. The proposed increased size would result in less disruption as it would allow safety equipment to be stored separately and securely. He argued that the proposed design represented improvements to the existing kiosk, and the business had taken into consideration and cooperated with local neighbours.

Councillor Ezzard, the Local Ward Member did not approve of the application. She discussed concerns regarding the scale of the proposal and the visual impacts it would have on the local area. Concerns were also raised regarding the setting, and loss of public space on the quay for other local users due to the size. The Parish Council confirmed that their objections regarding land ownership had now been resolved but they wished to highlight the need for public access to the slip way and hoped this would be retained in the long term.

Members questions and comments

·       Existing building is dated.

·       Clarification was requested regarding the detrimental impact on the conservation area identified by officers. Members recognised conservation area concerns but judged that the design would avoid harm to the Conservation Area and the setting of other heritage assets.

·       Members felt the proposal was an improvement and welcomed the design. They recognised that it would limit access for the public to part of the quay.

·       The public benefit and need were judged to outweigh any harm.

·       Clarification regarding the existing location of the Bamford’s Water Pump and confirmation that it had been previously repositioned.

·       Conditions necessary to make the development acceptable were identified to be i) time limit, ii) plans, iii) material details- to be retained iv) repositioning of the water pump.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to grant was proposed by Cllr Alex Brenton and seconded by Cllr Shane Bartlett.

Decision: To overturn the officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission subject to conditions