Agenda item

Ward

Stanwell North

Proposal

Demolition of existing lock-up garages and installation of electric vehicle charging bays serviced by ultra-rapid charge points, together with associated infrastructure and works.

Recommendation

This application is recommended for refusal due to the impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential properties and highway impacts.

Description:

Demolition of existing lock-up garages and installation of electric vehicle charging bays serviced by ultra-rapid charge points, together with associated infrastructure and works.

Additional Information:

A copy of the letter sent to Councillors by the applicant was received which clarifies points on access to the site, maintenance, lighting and hours of operation.

Public Speaking:

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

-       Lack of parking currently in front of the maisonettes

-       Access to the site is extremely narrow

-       Construction vehicles would not be able to access the site

-       Would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding houses

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

-       Government legislation will, in the future, mean that there will be more electric powered vehicles on the road and therefore a greater need for charging points

-       People without a driveway will not be able to power their cars at home

-       Providing local and accessible charge points will raise confidence supporting the transition to non-polluting vehicles

-       This facility would help to meet the national target of phasing out fossil fuel cars and vans by 2030.

-       The existing site is in very poor condition with evidence of anti-social behaviour

-       Most residents welcomed the rejuvenation of the site

-       The Police support this proposal

-       The site would only operate between the hours of 7am to 10pm

-       The proposed lighting has been designed to ensure there is no overspill into residents’ gardens

-       Site would be regularly monitored and any litter removed

-       Owners of the electric vehicles would use an app to see whether there were any vacant charging points so would element queuing

-       New fencing would be installed to ensure privacy

-       Hydrant would be installed on site to be used in the event of a fire

-       Disagree with several points within the Highways report

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Councillor Sue Doran spoke as Ward Councillor against the proposed development raising the following key points:

-       The location was in close proximity to surrounding houses

-       Noise from the vehicle occupants would have an impact on surrounding residents

-       The access and exit roads to the proposed development already suffer from access issues.

-       There would be an increase in traffic to the area

-       Works vehicles to the site would add to the traffic and create access issues for residents

-       The proposed perimeter fencing would alter the measurements of the access and exit roads, and could damage existing trees and hedges.

-       There would still be a concern of ASB

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-       The impact on the surrounding dwellings would be both considerable and negative

-       County Highways had objected to this proposal on highways safety grounds

-       Environment Health were satisfied that there would be no noise nuisance

-       There would be little alternative use for this site

-       The electric vehicles would be quiet but noise would be generated from drivers talking on phones/to other passengers, using the proposed WC facilities and the vending machine

-       Narrow site entrance

-       ‘Blind’ exit could cause accidents

-       7 mature trees currently on the site and only 2 would remain in situ

-       Site is currently affected by noise due to airport and general traffic noise

-       The site would be monitored and have a security presence

-       The Council should be encouraging people to use electric vehicles

-       Highways Agency has concerns about the roads leading into and out of the site

-       In favour of this sort of proposal but this site is not suitable

-       There may be access issues but improvements could be made

-       Site is not appropriate for residential properties

-       Less anti-social behaviour

-       The owner of the site needs to address the lack of maintenance and the fly tipping

-       The site currently contains residential garages and cars can therefore drive onto the site and exit the same way as outlined on the proposal

-       Good application but on the wrong site

Decision:

The application was REFUSED as per the recommendation.