Agenda item

Ground stabilisation works to support the East Coast Main Line comprising sheet & bored piling; drainage improvements; new headwalls to the River Browney; landscaping and new vehicular accesses from the B6300.

The Senior Planning Officer, Jennifer Jennings, 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 application was for ground stabilisation works to support the East Coast Main Line comprising sheet and bored piling; drainage improvement; new headwalls to the River Browney; landscaping and new vehicular accesses from the B6300 and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions.  The Senior Planning Officer referred to an area within the ‘limits of deviation’ and noted that works within that area did not require planning permission. 

She explained that the application represented works requiring planning permission that were proposed outside of the limits of deviation and added that the proposals were within an Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV), the Sunderland Bridge Conservation Area, and abutted the Burn Hall Conservation Area and Grade II Listed Park and Garden of Special Historic Interest.  The Senior Planning Officer noted a typographical error in the report relating to the funding of the scheme, with the amount to read £15 million.

The Chair thanked the Senior Planning Officer and asked the Committee for their questions and comments.

Councillor A Bell noted that the proposals represented much needed works and that they had been fully supported by the Council’s Officers.  He noted no objections from the public and therefore proposed the application be approved as per the report.  Councillor L Brown noted that the application had an impact upon her Electoral Division, which neighboured the site, due to the disruption to traffic.  She seconded the proposal for approval and noted she would wish that the works were completed as quickly as possible. 

Councillor J Elmer noted he was very pleased in relation to the ecological improvements that were included within the scheme, enhancing the area, and that the additional planting would thicken the habitat band along the banks of the River Browney.  He noted the applicant was doing the right thing and agreed that it was important to have the works completed as soon as possible to minimise the traffic chaos and therefore he would support the recommendation for approval.

Upon a vote being taken it was:

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED, subject to the conditions as set out within the report.