Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought approval for the retention on Parker’s Piece of an observation wheel until 31st October 2021.

 

The Senior Planner referred to details on the Amendment Sheet.

 

The Senior Planner updated her report by referring to revised text  for the condition concerning the diesel generator

 

 She recommends the condition dealing with the diesel generator reads: The diesel-powered generator with noise insulating panels shall only be used for a maximum period of 1 month following date of permission, or up to when the solar panel generator is installed, whichever is sooner.  Following the installation of the updated mains electricity supply, any generator shall only be used in the event of mains power failure emergency to safely disembark patrons. It shall not be used as an alternative supply in the event of disconnection from the mains supply following for example non-payment.

 

Reason: To protect the residential amenity of neighbouring properties (Cambridge Local Plan 2018 Policy 35)

 

The Delivery Manager advised the Committee this was a Regulation 3 application

 

Mr Thurston (Applicant) addressed the Committee in support of the application through a written statement read by the Committee Manager.

 

Councillor Porrer (Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application:

      i.          Ward Councillors supported the proposal for an observation wheel but not a live fair in addition to it (which did not come forward in the proposal).

     ii.          The Wheel should not lead to over use of the open space as its erection was time limited.

   iii.          The North Pole application was not coming forward yet, which was disappointing.

   iv.          Suggested a condition for the Committee to consider regarding the Wheel: electricity should not come from a diesel generator.

    v.          Had requested this application came forward so residents could be consulted.

   vi.          The Wheel owner has used permitted development rights to set it up. This was legal but had upset residents due to noise from the Wheel and its diesel generator.

 vii.          Referred to statement from Ward Councillors in March 2021.

viii.          Supported the updated generator condition. Requested the diesel generator use be disallowed for the one month indicated in recommendation, except for emergency evacuation or people on the Wheel.

   ix.          Requested confirmation that herbicides/pesticides would not be used to prepare the ground for the Wheel. (Reference Condition1).

 

Councillor Thornburrow (Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application:

      i.          Parker’s Piece had been actively used by people up to the pandemic. The aim now and in future was to provide a space for families.

     ii.          The London Eye was controversial when set up, now it was a welcome feature.

   iii.          Expected positive and negative comments for the Parker’s Piece Wheel.

   iv.          Hoped  an alternative power source (electric) to fossil fuel (diesel) was used.

    v.          The Wheel was already used by families although it had only been in place a short time.

 

The Senior Planner proposed an amendment to include an informative that herbicides/pesticides would not be used to prepare the ground for the Wheel.

 

The Delivery Manager proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation that condition 1 should be revised as follows:

 

The hereby approved observation wheel and associated structures shall be fully removed and the area made good, in accordance with details that shall previously have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, by the 31st October 2021 unless otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning authority.

 

Reason: To avoid harm to the special interest of the recreational area, and to limit visual harm to the character and

appearance of the surrounding area, Conservation Area and

nearby Listed Buildings. (Cambridge Local Plan 2018, policy 55, 56, 58, 61 and 67)

 

This amendment was carried by 5 votes to 0.

 

Councillor Smart proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation that Officers be given delegated powers to revise wording to condition 4 (in liaison with Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes) reflecting the intention to use a solar power generator.

 

This amendment was carried by 5 votes to 0.

 

The Committee:

 

Resolved by 5 votes to 0 to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the Officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer’s report, subject to:

      i.          the planning conditions set out in the Officer’s report and as amended in her presentation;

     ii.          delegated authority to officers, in consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes, to draft and include revised conditions 1 and 4;

   iii.          an informative included on the planning permission that herbicides/pesticides should not be used to prepare the ground for the Wheel.

 

Councillors Porrer and Thornburrow spoke as Ward Councillors for this item so did not participate in the Committees’ discussion or decision making (and for the avoidance of doubt) neither voted on the recommendation.