Agenda item

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 of this permission.

3.     The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall be as per the approved plans and associated documents to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority

4.     Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority, the use of the premises for the purposes hereby permitted shall operate only between the hours of 10:00am and 18:00pm Mondays to Fridays and 09:00am to 20:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public or Bank Holidays.

5.     No development shall take place above slab level until details of measures to address adaptation to climate change have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. These measures shall then be implemented and permanently maintained in accordance with the approved details.

6.     The containers hereby approved shall be sited a minimum of 2m from the hedgerow and trees to the rear and this area shall be kept clear at all times to facilitate maintenance access to the hedgerow and trees

7.     There shall be no artificial grass, or other similar artificial/plastic surface laid on the ground around the building and no artificial foliage screening placed on or around the containers hereby approved.

Informative:

1.     Public Information on Planning Applications:

Warning: all information provided on your planning application is now publicly available. Individuals and organisations offering their services may contact you. Page 51 - 16 - The Council does not endorse or approve any builders, surveyors, trades persons or other supplier, and advises householders to obtain quotes/references, and check the legitimacy of any contractor who contacts them before making payment.

2.     Community Infrastructure Levy:

Stevenage Borough Council adopted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule at Full Council on 27 January 2020 and started implementing CIL on 01 April 2020.

This application may be liable for CIL payments and you are advised to contact the CIL Team for clarification with regard to this. If your development is CIL liable, even if you are granted an exemption from the levy, please be advised that it is a requirement under Regulation 67 of The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) that CIL Form 6 (Commencement Notice) must be completed, returned and acknowledged by Stevenage Borough Council before building works start. Failure to do so will mean you risk losing the right to payment by instalments and a surcharge will be imposed. NB, please note that a Commencement Notice is not required for residential extensions if relief has been granted.

Stevenage's adopted CIL Charging Schedule and further details of CIL can be found on the Council's webpages at www.stevenage.gov.uk/CIL or by contacting the Council's CIL Team at CIL@Stevenage.gov.uk.

3.     Building Regulations:

To obtain advice regarding current Building Regulations please contact Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd. by emailing us at building.control@hertfordshirebc.co.uk or phoning us on 01438 879990.

To make a building regulations application please apply through our website portal at https://www.hertfordshirebc.co.uk/contact-us/ payment can be made online or by phoning the above number after the application has been uploaded. Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control for fees guidance on 01438 879990.

Hertfordshire Building Control can also be contacted by post at Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd, 4th Floor, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6BX.

Once a building regulations application has been deposited with relevant drawings and fee building work may commence. You will be advised in their acknowledgement letter of the work stages we need to inspect but in most instances, these are usually: Excavation for foundations, Damp proof course, Concrete oversite, Insulation, Drains (when laid or tested) Floor and Roof construction, Work relating to fire safety and Work affecting access and facilities for disabled people, Completion.

4.     Party Wall etc. Act 1996

Any work that affects a party wall, including foundations dug within 3.0m of a neighbouring building, may be controllable under the Act and may require approval from the adjoining owner(s). Party Wall Act matters are always civil matters and it is neither Stevenage Borough Council's nor Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd's remit to control or enforce Party Wall act matters. Please refer to the Government's explanatory booklet The Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a copy of which is available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-party-wall-etc-act-1996-revised[1]explanatory-booklet