Issue - meetings

To consider the placement of 7x 20ft shipping containers and 1x 40ft shipping container.

The Committee considered a report in respect of application 24/00137/FP seeking planning permission for the placement of 7no. 20ft shipping containers and 1no. 40ft shipping container.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00137/FP be granted planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Committee considered a report on planning application 24/00137/FP seeking planning permission for the application placement of 7no. 20ft shipping containers and 1no. 40ft shipping container.

The Officer explained the site is a parcel of land located within the existing sailing centre compound in Fairlands Valley Park. The area is laid to concrete and currently used for the storage of boats owned by a variety of organisations and people, including Stevenage Borough Council. To the south of the site is the Fairlands Valley Lakes café and outdoor seating area; to the west is the large sailing and fishing lake; to the north is the wooden high ropes recreational facility; to the east is access roads, car parking and footpaths.

It was stated:

-        The site is owned by SBC.

-        More than 5 objections.

-        No further comments since addendum.

-        8 containers included.

-        The Aqua Park is not of the part of this application as it does not require planning permission.

-        Photographs and floor plans were shown to the Committee.

-        All public reps were in respect of the inflatables, it was explained it is not relevant to this application.

-        It included principle open space, play spaces, self-contained in an existing locked off area, hardstand area and high ropes.

-        Trees will soften the view.

-        A likely secondary income would arise through users of the development using the existing  café.

-        The visual impact would be next to existing buildings, smaller, screened, softened by foliage, , no detrimental impact. Trees/hedgerow will remain with a 2m buffer to allow space for work, and maintenance, possible use of astroturf around the buildings, wildlife sites and woodlands would not be impacted.

-        Car parking provision, there is level access to the site, and it is easily accessible by pedestrians.

-        Not on green belt

-        Would not support anything that damages the site and surroundings.

Members queried if any parking would be removed and if it generates the need for extra parking. It was explained some extra parking need would be generated but there are plenty sites for parking which is seen as an non issue and due to it being a summer use, should any issues arise then they would be short-term and seasonal only.. Also, the view from the café was questioned as to whether there would be a block of the view of the lakes and if the council could soften the appearance. Officers advised that the siting of the development would not restrict any views of the sailing lake.  Officers explained it will enhance the use of Fairlands Valley Park as a whole.

It was RESOLVED application 24/00137/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report:

1.     The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Site Layout; Site Location Plan; Elevations; Side Elevations;

2.     The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5