Agenda item

Reopening of culverted watercourse through Chester-le-Street Market Place and creation of urban parkland at South Burns, Chester-le-Street.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding the reopening of a culverted watercourse through Chester-le-Street Market Place and creation of urban parkland at South Burns, Chester-le-Street (for copy see file of Minutes).

C Shields, Senior Planning Officer provided a detailed presentation of the application which included an aerial image of the site, site layout, site photographs and visuals showing the proposed street scene.

The Senior Planning Officer informed the Committee that following the publication of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 24 July there were changes to the numbering of the sections but there were no changes to the text that would affect the recommendations in the report. However there was a requirement for delegated authority to be given to officers to amend numbering within the reasons for approval should Members be minded to approve the application.

Councillor C Martin, local Member for North Lodge Division addressed the Committee to outline his support for the scheme and to also address a number of minor concerns that he had.  Councillor Martin advised that he considered the scheme to be a fantastic project and he added his thanks to officers of Durham County Council and the Environment Agency for their hard work in bringing this scheme forward.  The scheme would bring natural beauty and trigger regeneration in the area as well as providing a flood defence in the town centre.

He went on to discuss consultation and made reference to previous attempts to regenerate the market place area.  In conclusion he added that he urged Members to support the scheme which in essence would cost £6m to rectify a poorly thought out £2m scheme.

Discussion ensued regarding changes to the NPPF and it was noted that all Planning Committee Members would receive a briefing on these changes in the coming months.

Councillor Wilkes asked whether clarification could be given as to where the current fixed stalls and vehicles associated with market traders would be moved to.  In response the Senior Planning Officer advised that there was currently 375 fixed stalls on site however on average on only 27% were utilised.  The new stalls would be temporary fixtures which would be erected on the day of the market and would occupy a much smaller area.

Rowena John, Senior Project Manager, advised that advised that the current market would be relocated on a smaller scale to a new area on the site, however, it would operate, in generally the same way, noting that any overflow of the market would be directed on to Front Street.

Councillor Richardson commented that the open culvert design could pose dangers to children and asked what safeguards were in place. The Senior Project Manager advised that Health and Safety Reviews had been undertaken and given the shallow depth of water it did not warrant protective grids.  She did, however, assure Committee Members that the culvert would be regularly reviewed and should it at any point be considered a health and safety risk, this could be rectified post installation.  Further discussion took place regarding the issue and it was noted that some research had shown that protective grids could cause greater danger and with such a railing fence was proposed around the perimeter for safety reasons.

In relation to the funding aspect of the scheme, Councillor Bell asked whether this was forthcoming.  The Senior Project Manager advised that the Durham County Council component of the funding had been confirmed and a decision on the European Regional Development Fund was expected in October 2018.

Councillor Bell further queried whether the culvert would alleviate all flooding as he questioned its position in relation to Front Street.  The Senior Planning Officer advised that the scheme was a beginning and should it need to be extended further east this may be possible in the future, although it was likely that any flood water would find its way to the culvert.

Further discussion took place regarding the design and height of the perimeter fencing.  The Senior Planning Officer advised that the fencing would appear slightly different to that shown in the visuals and the fixed wall would also be slightly taller in height.

Councillor Wilkes Moved that the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report.  He further asked whether the funding awarded included maintenance or whether this would be the responsibility of Durham County Council upon completion.  The Senior Planning Officer advised that he did not have that information available, however Members should be mindful that the Committee could only discuss the acceptability of the application.

Councillor Clare commented that he was certain that there would be flexibility in the future to take on the concerns raised be the Committee and with such Seconded the proposal.

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions as listed within the report.