Agenda item

Proposal

Provision of a dual-lane temporary construction access to the A31, comprising a bridge across the River Wey, pedestrian underpass, temporary vehicular access from South Street and other associated temporary works to enable the bridge construction, other supporting infrastructure and re-instatement works, including the erection of a permanent pedestrian footbridge across the River Wey (as amended and amplified by plans and additional information received 01/06/2018)

Recommendation

That, subject to the consideration of any further representations and consultee responses received and subject to conditions 1-18 and informative 1, permission be GRANTED.

Proposed development

Provision of a dual-lane temporary construction access to the A31, comprising a bridge across the River Wey, pedestrian underpass, temporary vehicular access from South Street and other associated temporary works to enable the bridge construction, other supporting infrastructure and re-instatement works, including the erection of a permanent pedestrian footbridge across the River Wey (as amended and amplified by plans and additional information received 01/06/2018)

With reference to the report circulated with the agenda, Officers presented a  summary of the planning context for making a decision on the application, and the proposed development including site plans and the layout. Officers outlined the determining issues and those matters of a more subjective nature. It was noted that since the agenda had been published, there had been further information provided by the Environment Agency and Environmental Health. Both raised no objection subject to conditions.  

Public speaking

This was not a public speaking item.

Councillor Julia Potts spoke as Leader and Portfolio Holder.

Debate

The Committee considered the application and asked a number of questions in relation to the history of the site and asking for clarification for the need of the bridge. Members were advised that the principle of the bridge had already been established during the planning progression for the site. There were no material changes in policy or circumstances since the granting of the single lane bridge proposal so, therefore, it would not be appropriate to revisit the principle of the bridge.  

A question was asked about the use of the bridge for the Woolmead development which was adjacent to the site. It was noted that it would be difficult, and unreasonable to require this of the applicant, especially as they had different development timescales and also because of the build layout which would make this difficult.  

Members asked about the further removal of trees but were assured that this would be minimal. Officers explained the reasons for the additional road from the new bridge to south street through Borelli Walk and Members advised that commemorative benches would be removed but put back following development.

It was noted during discussion that having a dual rather than a single lane bridge application  would bring highway improvements and that it should help minimise any disruption to the A31.

Decision

RESOLVED that, subject to the consideration of any further representations and consultee responses received by 6^th July 2018 that raise further material planning matters that have not already been considered, permission be granted, subject to amended conditions 1, 5, 6, 7,10, 14 and 18 and informative 2 in the update sheet and conditions 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 and informative 1 in the agenda report and the additional condition 19 raised at the meeting and noted below:

19. Following completion of a surface water drainage scheme, as required by condition 14(t), a verification report shall be submitted to an approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority confirming that the surface water drainage scheme has been completed in accordance with the approved details.