Agenda item

Ward

Staines

Proposal

25/00308/RVC

Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 3 (Materials) of planning approval 24/01052/FUL for 'External Alterations including new openings

at lower ground level, access ramps and railings to create an external

play area' to allow for amendments to the approved plans including

extension to the fence line to extend across the widened ramp that

replaces existing staircase; the installation of an entrance gate within the

proposed fence line extension; increase in railing height from 1.3m to

1.8m; and for the materials to be approved as part of this application and

with a subsequent compliance condition.

25/00307/RVC

Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 3 (Materials) of approval

24/01053/LBC for 'Internal and External Alterations including new

openings at lower ground level, access ramps and railings to create an

external play area' to allow for amendments to the approved plans

including internal alterations to openings and layout; extension to the

fence line to extend across the widened ramp that replaces existing

staircase; the installation of an entrance gate within the proposed fence

line extension; increase in railing height from 1.3m to 1.8m; and for the

materials to be approved as part of this application and with a

subsequent compliance condition.

Recommendation

Approve the application subject to conditions as set out in the Recommendation section of the report (paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2)

Description:

25/00308/RVC

Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 3 (Materials) of planning approval 24/01052/FUL for ‘External Alterations including new openings at lower ground level, access ramps and railings to create an external play area’ to allow for amendments to the approved plans including extension to the fence line to extend across the widened ramp that replaces existing staircase; the installation of an entrance gate within the proposed fence line extension; increase in railing height from 1.3m to 1.8m; and for the materials to be approved as part of this application and with a subsequent compliance condition.

25/00307/RVC

Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 3 (Materials) of approval 24/01053/LBC for ‘Internal and External Alterations including new openings at lower ground level, access ramps and railings to create an external play area’ to allow for amendments to the approved plans including internal alterations to openings and layout; extension to the fence line to extend across the widened ramp that replaces existing staircase, the installation of an entrance gate within the proposed fence line extension; increase in railing height from 1.3m to 1.8m; and for the materials to be approved a spart of this application and with a subsequent compliance condition.

Additional Information:

Reference is made in the report to the railings being 1.2m in height. They are in fact 1.3m in height as set out in the application description.

Paragraph 8.2 of both applications to amend Condition 2 regarding plans to:

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Site Location Plan; E1000 re B; E1100 rev B; E1101 rev B; E1102 re B, E1190 rev B; E1199 rev B, E2000 rev B; EL101 rev P2; EL102 rev P2; PD101 rev P5, PD102 rev P5; PD103 re P5 received on 02 September 2024 and drawings nos. 201; 202 1; 202 2; 202 3; 203: 204; 205; 206; 207; 208; 209 and 210 received 29.05  25.06. 2025.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Vincent Young spoke against the proposed development raising the following key points:

1.    The plans do not show the Old Station Mews (apartments and car parking). The Mews is in very close proximity to the proposed changes and therefore the plans should show the how the Old Station Mews fits into the site

2.    Residents wanted guarantees put in place that there would be sufficient space allowed for manoeuvring in and out of the parking spaces.

3.    When previously considered by the Planning Committee it was agreed that the fencing had been chosen to respect the listed building status and preserve its charm.

4.    Why was the increase in the height of the railings not mentioned at the previous meeting?

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Councillor Williams spoke as Ward Councillor against the proposed development. He declared to the meeting that he was also a resident of Moor Lane, Staines-upon-Thames. He raised the following key points:

1.    The concerns of the residents have been ignored and the maps provided by the applicant do not include the Old Station Mews building

2.    The residents’ vehicle movements and turning circle, especially for the disabled bay has not been taken into account

3.    How the 6 feet high fence will affect the residents’ amenity has not been addressed

4.    There is no explanation with regard to how at least 50 people would be able to access the site to drop off and pick up the children

5.    The surrounding area consists mainly of double yellow lines and permit holder only parking so there is limited on street parking

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

1.    The application did not include any alterations to the parking that had previously been agreed by this Committee.

2.    Why does the applicant want to increase the height of the railings?.

3.    The increased height of the railings is not necessary

4.    The ramp is replacing the staircase that was previously there.

5.    Could the Committee refuse the increase in height of the railings but approve the ramps – no, this is one application so if the committee refuses one part, they refuse it all.

6.    Any increase in security can only be positive for the safeguarding of the children.

7.    The increase in the height of the railings would provide additional security and would prevent people gaining access to the children

8.    Increase in the height of the railings would have a negative impact on the vista of the site

The Committee voted on the proposal as follows:

For: 11

Against: 2

Abstain: 1

Decision:

The application was approved subject to conditions as set out in the recommendation section of the report.