Agenda item

Relocation of Peterlee Library within the Leisure Centre and associated refurbishment.

The Principal Planning Officer, Alan Dobie, gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, a copy of which had been circulated (for copy see file of minutes).  Members noted that the written report was supplemented by a visual presentation which included photographs of the site.  The Principal Planning Officer advised that Members of the Committee had visited the site and were familiar with the location and setting.  The application was for relocation of Peterlee Library within the Leisure Centre and associated refurbishment and was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

The Principal Planning Officer noted the proximity to Peterlee town centre and the access to the Leisure Centre via a subway, ramps and steps.  Members noted that the proposal was for the library and leisure facilities to share an entrance, reception and refreshment area, then to split into the separate functions.

The Committee noted Councillor K Hawley had requested that the application be brought to Committee for determination as concerns had been raised by residents in terms of parking.  The Principal Planning Officer added that Peterlee Town Council had noted that they neither supported nor objected to the application, recognising the importance of the library as a community resource.  It was added that the Town Council noted concerns in terms of the environmental conditions at the proposed location, namely noise, and questioned whether a more suitable location had been considered.  The Principal Planning Officer added that Peterlee Town Council had also raised points in connection with parking and the access.  

The Principal Planning Officer noted no objections from the Highways Section or Environmental Health, with one letter of objection received from a member of the public.  It was explained that the main points raised by the objector included: access issues; noise from the leisure centre affecting those using the library; and insufficient parking, with any plans for charging for use of the car park likely to have a knock-on effect to people parking on-street, similar to the situation at the nearby Community Hospital.

The Principal Planning Officer explained that the existing library was one of the better used in the County, with good foot-fall and many activities for children and adults.  It was added that the relocation of the library was required to allow other redevelopment works to take place.  Members noted that the model of libraries co-locating within leisure centres was well established in the county and had proven to work well, with benefits in terms of asset management and in generally having longer opening hours than a standalone library.

The Principal Planning Officer explained that in principle it was felt the application was in a sustainable location, with good access to the town centre, and with a bus stop located directly outside of the leisure centre.  It was noted the access was similar to that enjoyed by the current library facility.  In terms of parking, Officers had spoken to the applicant in respect of the additional foot-fall and the impact this would have.  It was explained that surveys undertaken bore out those concerns, however, highlighted an issue of misuse of the leisure centre car park and that the three hour maximum use with no return was not being enforced.  It was explained that this would be addressed and therefore there would not be displacement of vehicles such as to lead to parking in the street.  Councillors noted that in terms of peak usage of the car park, for library users it would be in the morning and leisure centre users it would be the afternoon and evening.  The Principal Planning Officer noted that the nearest residential properties were sufficient distance away that their amenity would not be impacted upon.

The Committee noted that in terms of other locations being considered for the relocation of the library, retail units were not financially viable and with the Authority already owning the leisure centre this was felt to be the best option available for a long term solution. 

The Principal Planning Officer noted that the recommendation was for approval, subject to conditions, and with a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to be submitted to and approved by the Planning Department prior to the library operating.

The Chairman thanked the Principal Planning Officer and noted Officers involved in the scheme were in attendance should Members have any queries.  The Chairman asked Councillor A Laing, Local Member to speak in relation to the application, noting she had declared an interest and would leave the Chamber after speaking and take no part in the debate or decision.

Councillor A Laing explained that she felt that the library was a valuable asset in the local community and the many benefits of colocation within the leisure centre, such as longer opening hours would help sustain the facility.  She added that while other locations had been looked at, this was the only site that was financially viable and with good accessibility, similar to the existing library location, with bus provision to the door.  Councillor A Laing noted that the parking issues raised were dealt with by condition and added that normally an application such as this would be determined under delegated authority and not take up Committee time.

Councillor A Laing left the meeting.

The Chairman asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments on the application.

Councillor K Hawley noted that the parking issue had been explained, however felt that the TMP should be looked at before the Committee grant the application.

The Principal Planning Officer noted that there had been full consultation with the Council’s Highways Section and it was felt that if the traffic restrictions were enforced there would be a suitable number of car parking spaces available.  It was added it was felt that the condition as set out was sufficient to be able to recommend approval.

Councillor K Hawley noted that it would be seen whether such enforcement would take place and alleviate the issues.  The Chairman noted that it would be something Councillor K Hawley, as a Local Member, could monitor.

Councillor S Quinn noted that from the site visit she got the impression of friendly staff keen to take full advantage of a great opportunity.

Councillor O Temple noted from the site visit that the parking issue was real, with some parked on double yellow lines and on the pavement.  He added that the condition stated “a” TMP, however, he asked if there was any scope to be more proscriptive in terms of how it was enforced, noting in his Electoral Division that automatic number plate recognition was used in some car parks.

The Solicitor - Planning and Development explained that the condition was drafted quite a widely but that it could be made more specific should Members require, however the Highway Development Manager may wish to comment.

The Highway Development Manager, John McGargill explained that to enforce there would be a need for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to allow parking notices to be made and to enforce where people parked on footways, verges and double yellow lines.  He added that the Highways Section felt that a TRO would be enforceable and that DCC had a contract in terms of enforcement and the contractors would be sent out on a regular basis as regards compliance.  In respect of automatic number plate cameras, the Highway Development Manager noted that legislation was not in place as regards this as the car park was DCC owned, the Council would enforce.

Councillor J Robinson noted that paragraph 33 of the report set out where there had been successes elsewhere with this type of co-location, and he wished he was so lucky as to have such a facility in his Division.  He added that paragraphs 37-38 showed there was commitment to enforce in terms of the car park and he had personal experience in respect of parking issues in Peterlee.

Councillor O Temple moved that the application be approved; he was seconded by Councillor J Robinson.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee.

Councillor A Laing entered the meeting

Councillor O Temple left the meeting