Agenda item

DM/17/01827/FPA - Magdalene Gardens, Gilesgate Moor

Retaining wall.

Minutes:

The Senior Planning Officer, Chris Baxter, 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 Senior Planning Officer advised that Members of the Committee had visited the site and were familiar with the location and setting.  The application was for a retaining wall and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

 

The Senior Planning Officer noted the application was as set out in the report and was retrospective as the wall had already been constructed, with permission now sought.  He added that a handrail on the steps had yet to be completed and piling had been used to stabilise the land, with gabion baskets placed up against the retaining wall for visual impact.

 

The Chairman asked Parish Councillor B Howarth to speak on behalf of Belmont Parish Council in objection to the application.

 

Parish Councillor B Howarth noted the Parish had requested that the application come before Committee, with the first wall not being part of the original application, rather noticed by the vigilance of the public.  She added the previous baskets were of superior design and the piling work had been done well.  Parish Councillor B Howarth noted that in light of information posted on a website the Parish felt that concerns to be raised included the impact on Footpath No.5, with a closure.  It was added that they had been assured that this would be reinstated.  Parish Councillor B Howarth added that the steps were a short steep flight, albeit with a concession in terms of a handrail, the public right of way had not been diverted. 

 

Parish Councillor B Howarth noted that the Parish Council wanted the wall to succeed and welcomed the opportunity to discuss at a site meeting.  She added that the wall was underway before the application was submitted, and asked how such major development feature could go ahead without permission.  She concluded that the report referred to strict accordance with plans and conditions.

 

The Senior Planning Officer noted that it was recommended that works not be undertaken before permission was granted, though there were unique circumstances in terms of a wall that was required to be removed. The Developer subsequently made the decision to proceed as they felt it was essential structurally for the protection of residents already living there.

 

The Highways Development Manager noted the original structure had been approved, however a water pipe failure had changed the capacity of the ground to support the gabion baskets.  He added it was not unusual to find steps on a public right of way and was satisfied in terms of that aspect.

 

Mr M Butcher, representing the Applicant, Avant Homes reiterated the comments in terms of the works being carried out in order to secure the land and prevent any further damage.

 

Councillor K Corrigan moved that the application be approved; she was seconded by Councillor A Laing.

 

RESOLVED

 

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

 

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