Agenda item

The Planning Committee will consider any late items announced by the Chairman at the start of this meeting as follows:

a)    Items added to the agenda papers and made available for public inspection

b)    Items which the chairman has agreed should be taken as matters of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be reported at the meeting

Recommendation to delegate to officers following the expiry of the consultation period on 1 November 2018; subject to an objection being received from historic England and no new significant material considerations being raised through third party representations.

Mr Plowman withdrew from the meeting table during the consideration of this item.

Additional information was reported on the agenda update sheet relating to further consultation responses (Chichester Conservation Area Advisory Committee, WSCC Highways, Chichester District Council Conservation and Design, Chichester District Council Parks and Gardens, Chichester District Council Environmental Protection and Chichester District Council Sport and Leisure), 14 third party letters of objection, 3 additional third party comment, further officer assessment and two additional conditions (music noise level) and (noise complaint system) and confirmation of the recommendation.

Mr Whitty reported that this item was being considered today as a late item as a red card had been submitted bringing this application to the Committee but the consultation period was not due to end until 1 November 2018 and it was felt important for the Committee to debate the proposal and decide whether to delegate the determination of the application to the officers following the expiry of the publication period as otherwise it would be too late to hold the Christmas ice rink event this year.

The following members of the public addressed the Committee:

·         Mr S Ellis – Objector;

·         Mrs M Campbell-Culver – Objector;

·         Mr G Knight – Objector;

·         Mr R Plowman – Objector;

·         Mr C Hicks – Supporter;

·         Mr E White – Applicant; and

·         Mr A Moss – Chichester District Council Member.

In response to members’ questions and comments, Mr Whitty confirmed that currently officers had some concerns regarding noise impact as the Council’s Environmental Health Officers  had indicated they would require night-time background noise level to be a maximum of L₉₀ of 30 to 35 dB(A).  He advised that the Committee was being asked to agree that officers take forward the outstanding technical measures and consider all of the representations when received and to permit the proposal if acceptable and to refuse the proposal if unacceptable.  The provision of public conveniences, litter and anti-social behaviour were not material considerations.  The effect of the proposal on the condition of the grassed ground was not significant.  He provided information about the reasons why officers felt that Priory Park was an appropriate location for the proposal in respect of there being economic benefits.  The Council’s Economic Development Service supported the proposal and felt that its closeness to the Chichester City centre would encourage foot fall visitors to the ice rink to visit the shopping areas nearby.

Whilst members supported the principle of a Christmas ice rink some members had concerns about its proposed location due to the damage that would occur to the ground and the length of time that this area of the Park would not be available for use whilst the grass recovered, as well as being concerned with the noise and impact upon the amenity of neighbouring residential properties.

During the debate members noted the proposed mitigation measures required by the Council’s Environmental Health Officer concerning noise level controls, the measures that would be taken by the applicant to reduce damage to the ground and the requirement in suggested condition 3, and the economic benefit to the City centre.

Prior to the vote being taken, Mr Whitty clarified the meaning of the recommendation.  He explained that, if carried, following the expiry of the consultation/publicity period, the officers would take into account all of the representations received, together with all other material considerations, and would proceed to determine the application as they considered appropriate.  However, the application would be returned to the Committee to determine if an objection was received from Historic England and/or if any new significant material considerations came to light which had not been presented to the Committee.

Recommendation to delegate to officers to determine following the expiry of the consultation period on 1 November 2018; subject to objection being received from Historic England and/or new significant material considerations being raised (in such events the application would be returned to the Committee to determine).