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Venue: Council Chamber, The Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge, CB2 3QJ [access the building via Peashill entrance]. View directions
Contact: Democratic Services Committee Manager
Note: Officers recommend withdrawing 21/02052/FUL from the agenda
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Apologies Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors Flaubert and Page-Croft. |
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Declarations of Interest Minutes:
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Minutes Minutes: No minutes of previous meetings have been submitted to this meeting for
approval. |
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21/03620/FUL - Devonshire Gardens, Devonshire Road Additional documents:
Minutes: The Committee
received an application for full planning permission. The application
sought approval for demolition of existing depot building and redevelopment of
site to provide two new buildings comprising Class E (g)(i) / E (g) (ii)
floorspace with associated plant and cycle parking, three new residential
buildings comprising 100 units with associated plant and cycle parking, one new
building comprising flexible commercial space (Class E) to include a creche
with associated cycle parking, flexible community space (Class F.1/F.2), hard
and soft landscaping and associated access. The Principal
Planner updated his report by referring to updated wording and the recommendation
details on the amendment sheet. Specifically:
i.
Paragraph 8.55: To be reworded as follows: “In
summary the scale and massing of the proposed development would detract from
the character and appearance of the surrounding area. The proposals would also
result in moderate less than substantial harm to the setting of the
ii.
Pre-Committee Amendments to Recommendation: Reason
for refusal 1 to be reworded as follows: “The proposed development by reason of
its scale, massing and articulation of building facades would result in
an unduly imposing form of development, in a location which would not justify
buildings of such scale. As such the proposals Page 2 would dominate views from
surrounding elevated positions and detract from the character and appearance of
the surrounding area. The proposals would also result in less than substantial
harm to the setting of the adjacent Mill Road Conservation Area Mr Higgins (Applicant) and the Founder of Indie Cambridge addressed the
Committee in support of the application. The Committee received a representation in objection to the application
from the Chair of South Petersfield Residents Association: i.
Usable public open space a.
Was 0.24 hectares sufficient for
use by 250 on-site residents, up to 1,000 on-site workers, and visitors to
residents, businesses, crèche and other community amenities?
i. Only
the central green wedge counted as “usable green space”.
ii. Local
Plan required 0.625 hectares for informal open space and children’s play area
before considering the needs of on-site workers and visitors. ii.
Cycle parking a.
Was 157 cycle spaces sufficient
for circa 250 residents?
i. The
Local Plan policy on cycle parking did not cover car-free developments.
Residents suggested one cycle parking space per resident, not per bedroom, as
the appropriate standard here. b.
Is there sufficient provision for
cargo, trailer and other cycles?
i. Residents
without a car were much more likely to own these. c.
Are the residents’ cycle parks
sufficiently secure and surveilled?
i. Cycle
theft was a major problem in Cambridge.
ii. The
loss of their cycle would be a major inconvenience for people who do not have a
car as a backup. iii.
Was the provision for deliveries
adequate? a.
Living car-free meant relying more
on delivery services – groceries, fast food, Amazon, etc. b.
Offices would also receive regular
deliveries. c.
Delivery drivers parked as close
to the destination as they can. d.
The two shared-space ‘squares’ in
the development would be busy, and potentially conflicted; with delivery
vehicles, as well as people walking and cycling on and off the site. iv.
Parking provision a.
Was one Blue Badge and three
visitor parking spaces sufficient?
i. Competition
for those visitor spaces would be intense.
ii. Off-site
parking options were not suitable for longer-stay visitors (e.g. overnight or a
weekend): maximum stay at Gwydir St car park is b.
Was one club car sufficient for
100 dwellings?
i. Marmalade
Lane (not car-free) has two club cars for 42 dwellings.
ii. S106
provision of Electric Vehicle club car spaces for use by the wider community? v.
Local Plan context a.
Was this a case of
overdevelopment?
i. 100
dwellings for circa 250 residents. 45 dwellings had previously been proposed.
ii. 12,313
sq.m. of commercial space for circa 1,000 workers.
iii. Residents,
businesses, crèche and community amenities would attract a significant number
of visitors and deliveries b.
If so, it was the employment space
that should be scaled back, there was a shortage of housing, not jobs. vi.
Was aware the Applicant proposed
off-site parking but 3 extra spaces were insufficient. Councillor Robertson
(Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application to set out his
view on expanded reasons for refusal: (As per Officer’s
report)
i.
The proposed development by reason of its scale and
massing would result in an unduly imposing form of development, in a location
which would not justify buildings of such scale. As such the proposals would
dominate views from surrounding elevated positions and detract from the
character and appearance of the surrounding area. The proposals would also
result in less than substantial harm to the setting of the adjacent Mill Road
Conservation area and the setting of the Grade II* listed Church of Our Lady
and the English Martyrs spire. The proposals would therefore conflict with
Cambridge Local Plan (2018) policies 55, 56, 57, 60 and 61, and paragraph 202
of the National Planning Policy Framework.
ii.
The landscape design of spaces within the
development, with high levels of soft landscaping, broad spreading trees and
mounds, would not be appropriate for the scale of the space, and the intensity
of its proposed use. As such the proposed landscaping fails to relate to the
character and intended function of the space, contrary to Cambridge Local Plan
(2018) policy 59. (Additional
reasons for refusal)
iii.
The quality of some of the proposed
residential units is unduly poor, due to number of single aspect units, long
double loaded corridors with no natural light or ventilation, excessive numbers
of units per core / floor, low levels of sunlight to some units. As such they
would provide a poor standard of amenity for future occupiers. (Wording from
Summary on page 8.)
iv.
Insufficient usable green space has been allowed
for residents and none for the needs of workers and visitors to the site.
v.
Insufficient cycle parking has been provided for
the 250 residence and 1000 workers which can be expected on the site.
vi.
A full explanation is missing of how cycle parking
will be maintained securely and with surveillance. vii.
Inadequate provision for deliveries has been
provided both for residents and even more so for offices viii.
No explanation has been provided for the management
of the 3 parking spaces for visitors, nor how these spaces can be said to be
adequate when there is only short term car parking with payment required
anywhere near the site.
ix.
Inadequate provision of club car parking spaces
which can be expected to be in heavier demand than usual because this would be
a largely car free site.
x.
Overprovision of offices and under provision of
housing on this site which is designated just for housing.
xi.
Full details are missing with regard to the likely
rent and service charges to residents and the genuineness of their
affordability. Given the Build to Rent nature of this housing and the proposal
not to seek local government adoption of any part of the site, this information
should be provided at application stage and not left for subsequent discussion. xii.
Too many trees would be required to be felled from
the belt of trees along Devonshire Road. Councillor
Robertson supplementary points:
i.
The application had points of merit and demerit.
ii.
It was an overdevelopment of the site.
iv.
Expresses concern about: a.
Inadequate green space. b.
Excessive height of buildings. c.
Being car free was good, but there needed to be
adequate cycle parking, delivery bays and club car spaces.
v.
The developer should offer more than the minimum
level of affordable housing.
vi.
Requested the amount of office space be reduced,
but not the amount of housing. vii.
Asked the Applicant to submit a revised scheme that
did not overdevelop the site. The Committee: Unanimously
resolved to refuse the application for planning permission in
accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the
officer report and amendment sheet. |
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21/02052/FUL - Grange Lane College Accommodation, South of Wilberforce Road Minutes: Withdrawn at Officer’s recommendation. Applicant had submitted an invalid application. |
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21/02759/FUL - Colville Road Phase 3, Land at Colville Road and Fishers Lane High Street Minutes: The Committee
received an application for full planning permission. The application sought
approval for demolition of existing buildings and erection of new
commercial/retail floor space, 48 new residential apartments and houses, new
car parking areas, new hard and soft landscaping, bin and bike stores and
associated works. The Committee
received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of
Cherry Hinton High Street. [The Committee Manager read a statement on behalf of
the Objector]: i.
The council was putting too many
homes on a contextually important site for Cherry Hinton residents. Felt there
had been little regard for the impact of this development on existing
residents. The village High Street itself was an amenity whose character would
be lost with this overly ambitious development. A slightly less ambitious development
would strike a far better balance both for new and existing residents. ii.
Specific concerns: a.
The mass of Block A, the mass of
Block B and the ugly North elevation of Block B. b.
The overall effect of so many
small council flats crammed into an area both for new residents’ amenity, and
for the effect on the wider community. c.
The plans had been presented to
the public in a somewhat underhand way – with actions seemingly taken to
minimize local residents’ input. For example: 1. The
project was called Colville Phase 3 on neighbour letters and the site notices
which were sorely lacking in detail. The development is in fact on the High
Street. 2. The
developers’ own leaflets during their ‘consultation’ mysteriously were not
delivered to the majority of Cherry Hinton residents
including myself. iii.
No person who lived in Cherry
Hinton was presented with a plan for the complete Colville development. iv.
Queried if the council suspected
this development was not appropriate in size and scale for a village High
Street. v.
The north-facing balconies that
face over the busy High Street cannot be considered an adequate amenity space. vi.
Felt this application for
development of Cherry Hinton High Street was never truly up for debate. It was
presented as a fait accompli. vii.
Where the Urban Design officer has
noted any issues with the plans, tiny changes then seem to count as complete
mitigation. viii.
There was a seemingly deliberate
omission of mention of the many two-storey traditional homes right on Block B’s
doorstep which will be dwarfed by the new builds. ix.
There seems to be a determination
throughout the plans that it must build the number of homes in the initial
designs. x.
The benefit to local
residents of the development have been highly questionable. Councillors
have tried to say it will ‘improve access’ to green
spaces at the corners. That was a totally illogical claim. The two are
unrelated. Mr Digby (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the
application. Councillor Thornburrow proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation
that Condition 32 should be amended to require BREEAM Excellent’ instead of BREEAM 'Very
Good'. She proposed a deferral to effect this change. This proposal was lost
by 3 votes to 3 – and on the Chair’s casting vote. Councillor Thornburrow proposed an amendment to the Officer’s
recommendation there should be an informative requesting 20% net gain in
biodiversity. This amendment was unanimously carried. The Committee: Resolved (by 3 votes to 3 – and on the Chair’s casting vote) 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 prior completion of an
Agreement under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 [with delegated
authority granted to Officers to negotiate, secure and complete such an Agreement on terms considered appropriate and necessary];
ii.
the planning conditions set out in
the Officer’s report;
iii.
delegated authority to officers, in consultation with
the Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes, to draft and include the following additional
conditions:
a. to
ensure commercial users were limited to relevant Class E users;
iv.
informative included on the
planning permission in respect of: a. 20%
net gain in biodiversity. |
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20/02289/S106A - Land at Anstey Way Minutes: The Committee
received an application for modification of planning obligations. The
application sought approval for modification of planning obligations (Affordable
Housing tenure) contained in a Section 106 Agreement dated 11 July 2018
pursuant to planning permission 17/2214/FUL. The change sought was as follows:
i.
To remove the
clause which stipulates that 12 of the dwellings are to be occupied by people
aged over 55 years of age only. The Committee: Resolved by 3
votes to 2 to grant permission subject to a varied S106 agreement. |
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Re-Ordering Agenda Under paragraph 4.2.1 of the Council Procedure Rules, the Chair used his
discretion to alter the order of the agenda items. However, for ease of the
reader, these minutes will follow the order of the published agenda. |
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19/1010/FUL - 185-189 Newmarket Road and 1 Godesdone Road Minutes: The Committee received an application for
full planning permission. The
application sought approval for conversion and extensions to the existing buildings
including demolition of the existing block to the rear of 1 Godesdone Road to
deliver a mixed use development comprising a ground floor retail space and 12
1xbed residential units (net increase 9) to the rear and above along with cycle
parking and associated infrastructure. The Committee Manager read out the following points on behalf of
Councillor Davies (Abbey Ward Councillor): i.
Residents' comments on this application raise
several important points, which I would urge this committee to seriously
consider today. ii.
Several comments related to overshadowing. The
residents of 3 Godesdone Road comment that the increase in height of the rear
section of the brick wall would block the already limited light to their
garden. These concerns would relate directly to Local Plan policy 60 b [given
the conservation area] and 60 d, and 57 b. Further, another resident notes that
the windows on the West elevation above Unit 7 and in Unit 11 appear to
overlook part of the gardens of neighbouring houses in Godesdone Road. iii.
Neighbours have also raised concerns that reducing
the courtyard wall would allow for further views of the stairwell in the Travel
Lodge. This concern is acknowledged in the officer’s report. Again, this should
be considered by the planning committee in relation to the conservation area
and the impact on local residential amenity, including under Policy 58. iv.
Regarding car parking, no on-site car parking
provision is made as part of the proposed development. A resident notes that
the number of single person dwellings increases the likelihood of a high number
of cars. v.
Noted that several Godesdone Rd residents have
contacted me recently with concerns about unauthorised parking taking place
within the residents' parking zone. I would highlight here that Godesdone Road
is currently undergoing significant changes due to development and will surely
be negatively impacted by the easyHotel, including through increased parking
pressure. These traffic issues should not be further exacerbated. vi.
A number of residents are clearly concerned that
the lack of parking provision for this number of units would exacerbate the
existing problems and those bound to occur in the near future. vii.
I would also note the comments of the disability
panel, which are clear that of changes could be made to make the proposed
development more accessible. If permission is granted, I would urge in the
strongest terms that the Disability Panel's recommendations be taken on board The Committee: Resolved (1 votes to 4) to reject the Officer recommendation to approve the application. Resolved
(unanimously) to refuse the
application contrary to the Officer recommendation for the following reasons:
i.
The overall level of
amenity for future occupants would be poor and would result in cramped living
environment. The scheme failed to demonstrate that it is not practicable to
provide an acceptable quality and quantity of internal and external amenity
space for future occupiers’ contrary to policy 50 & 58 CLP 2018.
ii.
The proposed retained
buildings would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the
conservation area by virtue of the scheme’s design. Public benefit to provide
an additional residential unit and the improvement to the residential amenity
of No3 Godesdone Road would not outweigh the ? conservation area, policy 61 of
the CLP 2018 and NPPF paragraph 2021. |
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19/1453/FUL - Shah Jalal Mosque, 107 Darwin Drive Minutes: The Committee received an application for full planning permission.
The application sought approval for two storey rear extension with single storey projecting bay for a Mimbar pulpit. Increase the number of attendees for the community use to 29 daily and 37 (Friday afternoon only), and extension to the opening hours until 11pm, including a 30-minute opening for morning prayer between 02:50 and 6:30.
Mr Abu Uddin addressed the Committee in support of the application.
The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of Darwin Drive: i. Did not object to the building of the extension and the existing hours of teaching and worship. ii. Did object to the increase in the hours of use, and the numbers attending. iii. In 2011 the North Area Committee denied the application because it would negatively affect residential amenity. iv. The Cambridge Local Plan of 2018 specifically states the planning system should protect amenity. v. Darwin Drive was a quiet, residential street. The proposed application would increase the size, scale, and intensity of use, and cause unacceptable noise at night. vi. The development would damage the character of the street. vii. The environmental health report of April this year confirmed the likelihood of an “adverse impact on residential amenity". The report author stated, “given the potential for adverse impacts on amenity in the area […] we cannot support this application”. viii. The assessment of the impact from the proposed changes had not changed. ix. What had changed was the willingness of the Shah-Jalal Islamic Centre Management Committee to engage with residents who respected the Centre’s neighbours and did not believe there would be a negative impact and wanted to get things right for everyone. x. However, there needed to be a cautious approach as previous committees had insisted on religious necessity without thinking of the local amenity. xi. Permission on such applications had led to many complaints with some residents moving away because of the disturbances. xii. The proposed application could upset a culturally diverse fragile equilibrium. xiii. If permission is granted it will be hard to reverse. xiv. It is not easy to record late night disturbances and to get them validated and prosecuted. xv. Allowing the application based on goodwill, was not a cautious approach. xvi. Referenced the Akeman Street Community Centre which closed at 10pm. To be fair and equitable, the same rules should apply to all other community rooms in the area. xvii. Believed the original reason for asking for an expansion was to allow more children to be taught Arabic. xviii. A compromise might be a target change in hours to make that possible. This might stop the cycle of repeated, near-identical applications.
The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a second local resident: i. Neighbours had witnessed that the Centre was used not just by local residents but those outside of the area ii. Residents could also confirm how many individuals drove to the Centre which caused issues with parking. iii. Any intensification of use would bring an increase to these problems and raise noise issues. iv. Paragraph 7.4 of the Planning Officer’s report highlighted a response from the applicant to the objections raised by residents; part of the response stated users of the premises were residents who walked to the site. v. Despite this confirmation in previous applications there had been representations from users of the Centre who had given their address outside of the local area such as Hanson Court or Kings Hedges. vi. Reviews of the Centre could be found on the internet from users who were not only outside of the local area but visitors to Cambridge. vii. The applicant also stated in paragraph 7.4 they were unaware of any violations within the last five years. However there had been breach of conditions brought to the attention of Planning Enforcement: · Possible High Court action had been brought to the attention of Officers on two occasions without any acknowledgement. · The Local Government Ombudsman ruled in favour of the complaint stating the least that could be done by Planning Enforcement was to acknowledge the breach of conditions. viii. Evidence of planning conditions breaches could also be found online and were committed regularly as witnessed by local neighbours. ix. Those individuals who had objected to the application lived closer to the Centre than those who expressed their support.
The Committee: Resolved (unanimously) to reject the Officer
recommendation to refuse the application. Resolved (unanimously) to approve the application contrary to the Officer recommendation for the following reasons: i. The extension to the property, the change of hours and the number of users would not adversely harm the amenities of the occupiers of the neighbouring properties.
Resolved unanimously to grant the application for planning permission including delegated authority to officers, in consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes, to draft conditions requiring development in accordance with the approved plans for the following: i. Time limit ii. Plans iii. Materials iv. Amount of Attendees v. Opening Hours (week day, not early hours) vi. Opening Hours (early hours) vii. Noise Mitigation Measures viii. Transport Mitigation Measures ix. Management Plan Mitigation Measures (Combined Noise, Supporting statement and Transport) x. New Cycle Parking xi. Limitations on the flat xii. The use of the garden xiii. Hard and Soft Landscaping (Prior to use of the extension) xiv. Construction Traffic Management Plan |
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21/01437/FUL - 18 Adams Road Minutes: The Committee received an application for full planning permission. The application sought approval for erection of 2no dwellings following
the demolition of No.18 Adams Road. The Senior Planner updated their report by referring to the amendment
sheet which can be viewed at the link below and advised that a response to all
the objections had been received from the Planning Agent: The Committee were also informed of an update from the Biodiversity
Officer who had advised of the following: Having reviewed the latest documents which
demonstrate the applicants attempts to reduce light spill from the proposed
development onto the adjacent Adams Road Sanctuary Wildlife Site, including the
introduction of a 6m tree and shrub planting buffer along the norther boundary.
In addition, northern windows and glazing have been removed and upper storey
roof lines further set back from the boundary. These measure
would mitigate against the proposed development, however the large scale and
proximity of the development both during and post construction still threatens
rather than enhances the designated site. If minded toapprove
the application, then I would request that all previously suggested conditions
were imposed. The proposed onsite biodiversity net gain, green rood and bird
box provision are support. I would raise that the requested Ecological
Sensitive lighting conditions is securing a strict limit to external lighting,
including the proposed norther paved courtyard, which may restrict night-time
use of these spaces. A representation had also been received questioning the interpretation
of Policy 67 which had been dealt with as part of the officer report. The
gardens around the sanctuary were not considered to forward a definition of
open space. All documents could now be viewed on the Council’s website at the
following link (21/01437/FUL): Simple
Search (greatercambridgeplanning.org)
i.
The ‘Bird Sanctuary Club’ had been in existence
since the 1930’s.
ii.
A remnant of
natural woodland & water near the centre of Cambridge. It was a unique
‘natural asset’ of the city.
iii.
The Club had an open membership of over 200 family
households from over the City & County. [18 area postcodes].
iv.
It had always been valued as a remarkable haven for
wildlife and tranquillity.
v.
In the last 18 months, due to the pandemic and
Lockdown, membership had increased by over 25%.
Such was the demand for genuine undisturbed and publicly accessible Open
Space.
vi.
The social well-being benefits and bio-diversity
values had become more important than ever. vii.
To quote from some of the 35 passionate objectors
to this unacceptable proposal: ·
“It is a miraculous healing place. In our
post-pandemic thinking it should not be sacrificed” ·
“A place of refuge … we owe it to future
generations to make every effort to protect such places”;
·
“a magical oasis of really wild space where
we first saw a kingfisher. Please refuse permission”. viii.
The sanctuary had survived because the distinctive
local built pattern had been maintained.
ix.
Devoted volunteers care for it under a management
plan; members support provided support with gifts and legacies. x.
If the City Council cannot save a site, protected
through every possible designation, then what part of the natural resources of
the City will survive into the future?
i.
The Case Officers’ report omits any reference to
the designated to the Sanctuary as either protected open space or a county
wildlife site.
ii.
The applicant had not considered potential
ecological impacts on a designated wildlife site.
iii.
Policy 69 required professional assessment of such
impacts. No such assessment has been
made.
iv.
The Officer's report overrides the objection of the
Nature Conservation Officer and those of ARBS members, many of whom have
relevant professional experience.
v.
There were over seventy public comments on the
public portal including the Wildlife Trust and individuals with relevant
professional qualifications and experience.
vi.
The Wildlife Trust's independent statement on the
Sanctuary described its high ecological value and underlined the threats to
this if the buffer of the surrounding gardens is eroded. By focusing only on a limited set of design
features, the Officer's report almost wilfully ignored the extensive evidence
presented. vii.
Set against harm to the sanctuary, a small net gain
in biodiversity on the development site is immaterial. In any case, the calculation was flawed; and
any net gain would depend on a long-term management regime that, despite the
Officer's Report conclusions, would be impossible to enforce. viii.
The Conservation Area Appraisal highlighted the
value of the pattern of long gardens between the houses and the
sanctuary. This pattern is shown on the maps.
ix.
The Officer's Report refers to the size of those
gardens but not to this pattern.
x.
Contrary to the Case Officer's conclusion, the
proposal did not accord with the Appraisal.
xi.
The sanctuary was so small that any building on its
borders would causes significant damage.
If this proposal is accepted, it may affect the planning context for any
future applications on the sanctuary boundary, increasing their likelihood of
acceptance. xii.
This was an ill-conceived proposal, that not only
poses an existential threat to a local nature reserve but would come at a
considerable carbon cost to the city. The Committee received a third representation in objection to the
application from a local resident:
i.
This was a plan to destroy one large house and
replace it with a two-house complex containing twelve bedrooms, garaging for
four cars and much else.
ii.
The development involved the excavation of two
substantial basements for features such as swimming pools; it required
prolonged use of towers of scaffolding, heavy earth-moving equipment
and extensive pile-driving, much of it right up against the Sanctuary and its
drift way.
iii.
The level of disturbance proposed would be
prolonged and extreme.
iv.
The proposed application would certainly drive off
the birds which nest nearby, and the flocks of redwings and fieldfares that
arrive each winter.
v.
The pervasive degradation of the whole reserve by a
permanent and substantial increase in human activity immediately beyond its
borders would ensure that the birds do not return, and that the losses will
extend ever further across this fragile and irreplaceable habitat. The impacts
could be neither avoided, mitigated, nor compensated, and the only proposals
for doing so are transparently trivial.
vi.
The Case Officer had cast aside the accumulated
evidence, and the representations of his specialist officers, and argues that
planning permission be granted. In such
cases the National Planning Policy Framework (para 180) is clear. The
application must be refused. Mr Preston (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the
application. Councillor Smith (Castle Ward) addressed the Committee about the
application:
i.
Local Plan Policy 69
sets out a presumption against approval “where development is proposed within,
adjoining or which will otherwise affect a locally designated nature
conservation site” (para 7.66). In this
policy context we examine the application against the two Local Plan policy
tests for the applicant to demonstrate (7.65) the proposal will not have an
adverse effect on biodiversity. These are to evidence: ·
Test 1 (7.66), "comprehensive
surveys of the historic and existing biodiversity importance". ·
Test 2 (7.66)"a professional ecological
assessment of the impact of the proposed development".
ii.
Where adverse effects have been identified, Local
Plan policy requires applicants to address: ·
TEST 3 by providing (7.66) "details of
measures to protect and enhance the habitat or species identified". ·
Test 1: Comprehensive surveys of biodiversity. The applicant's revised Preliminary
Ecological Appraisal (September 2019) was based on a September 2018 field
survey of the development site alone (not the adjoining locally designated nature
conservation site, the ARBS), and a desk study that did not include
consultation of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Environmental Records
Centre (despite a statement to the contrary on p7). ·
The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) reveals
a serious gap in the applicant’s knowledge of local biodiversity. It refers to historical records of 15 bird
species (three on red list and seven on amber list) within a 2km radius. This is less than 20% of the 86 species (15
on red list, 18 on amber list) recorded in the Sanctuary itself. No invertebrates are listed in the PEA, yet
the ARBS was designated a County Wildlife Site due to its remarkable
invertebrate diversity. ·
In failing to consider the biodiversity of the
adjoining ARBS, the applicant has failed to carry out a comprehensive survey as
required under Local Plan Policy 69. ·
Test 2: Professional ecological assessment of
potential harm to a designated site. The PEA is inconsistent about the
designated status of the ARBS. In Table
2 on p12 it states, "there are no known non-statutory sites within the
study area". Later in the text under Designated Sites (Table 7 p28)
the ARBS is listed as a City Wildlife Site and later again, with reference to
amphibians, as a County Wildlife Site.
iii.
Given the applicant has not provided evidence of a
comprehensive survey of the biodiversity of the adjoining ARBS, the applicant
is unable to consider the prospective harm to the ARBS and arrives at deeply
flawed conclusions: · Foreseen Impacts
(Table 7), "the proposed development is not of a sufficient scale to have
a major negative impact on any nearby designated statutory or non-statutory
sites." · Planning Statement
5.23, cites the PEA as the sole evidence on which it is concluded that
"there will not be significant adverse impacts upon the biodiversity of
the site or wider area.’’
iv.
These conclusions contrast markedly with an
independent statement on the ecological value of the ARBS submitted by the
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire
(BCN) Wildlife Trust. Emphasizing its
designation as a County Wildlife Site, the statement predicts harm to the
Sanctuary from garden development: "Adam's Road Bird Sanctuary remains a
haven for wildlife precisely because it is buffered by the large gardens which
surround it. The erosion of this buffer in general can only act to weaken the
value of the site for wildlife, reducing the chance of successful nesting by
birds and threatening the amphibian, mammal and invertebrate
populations". We request the
Planning Committee to read this assessment (attached) in conjunction with this
letter
v.
To consider the adverse impacts of development in
proximity to the ARBS, we turn to the approval and later construction of a
house (4 Clarkson Road) in 2007. The applicant makes much of this development
as justification for the 18 Adams Road proposal (see OR 8.39). However, 4 Clarkson Road was of prefabricated
design and no new vehicle access has been created adjacent to the Sanctuary and
its driftway. Dust, noise, lights, and earth
movements either during or after construction, or both, were minimal compared
with what can be expected if the 18 Adams Road application is approved. Even so, given the sensitivity of nature to
change, bird counts have shown a reduction in the use of the part of the reserve
immediately adjacent to the house. Snipe (amber listed) used to use this patch
and have not been seen there for many years; finches on passage and nesting
dunnocks (amber listed) are found in this corner no longer; and reed warblers,
for which the ARBS is particularly noted, occur there in much lower numbers.
vi.
Construction of the proposed rear house itself,
including a substantial basement, will require the operation of heavy lifting
and earth-moving equipment right up against the Sanctuary and its driftway (where the hedgerow also meets County Wildlife
Site criteria because of its length, breadth, and diversity of species). Associated noise, air and light pollution are
clear threats to the ARBS, and concerns have also been raised about the effects
on local drainage of the excavation of the basement. vii.
No matter the scope and extent of conditions
imposed, these construction operations would certainly drive off birds in the
short term and combined with the human activity of occupation, including,
noise, lights, and vehicle movements just over the border, would almost
certainly lead to the permanent loss of some species. Tree creepers (amber listed) and two species
of woodpecker use this corner of the Sanctuary, and another obvious probable
casualty would be the flocks of fieldfares and redwings (both red-listed),
siskins and redpolls (amber listed) that gather to roost at the northern end of
the driftway in winter. viii.
The applicant has failed to present evidence to
demonstrate that harm to the Sanctuary’s bird population will not occur as
required under Local Plan Policy 69 (7.65).
ix.
The evidence for deleterious impacts of Artificial
Light at Night (ALAN) on biodiversity conservation - including birds, insects,
and other taxa - is clear, and the problem is gaining more and more attention
among scientists and in the public domain.
Impacts of noise pollution, for example on bird breeding seasons, are
also becoming apparent.
x.
Reporting on a recent study in the United States, Masuyuki Senzaki and his
co-authors (Senzaki, M., Barber, J.R., Phillips,
J.N. et al. (2020) Sensory pollutants alter bird phenology and
fitness across a continent. Nature 587, 605–609)
demonstrated that anthropogenic noise and light can substantially affect when
birds first laid eggs, clutch size, partial hatching success, clutch failure
and whether nestlings successfully fledged, and concluded that their findings
indicate the need to consider sensory pollutants alongside the traditional
dimensions of the environment that typically inform biodiversity
conservation.
xi.
With respect to insects, Douglas Boyes and his
co-authors found that ALAN strongly reduced moth caterpillar abundance compared
with unlit sites in southern England and affected caterpillar development, and
that introduction of ALAN to previously unlit sites affected the feeding
behaviour of nocturnal caterpillars (Douglas H. Boyes, Darren M. Evans et al
(2021) Street lighting has detrimental impacts on local insect
populations. Science Advances).
Moths, of course, provide essential food sources for birds and other
animals, and are important pollinators.
These two studies are a tiny sample of a growing number of publications
on the threat of ALAN to natural ecological processes and biodiversity - a
threat which is now getting more and more attention in the popular press. xii.
The applicant claims that modifications to the type
of glazing on the building, and the fact that most windows face east, are
enough to deal with the lighting threat.
This is not so. · First, it is not
at all certain that the glazing modifications would be significant in reducing
impact on wild species. · Second, the main light spill would fall
directly onto the driftway, which is an integral part
of the ARBS, just where it joins the main Sanctuary. · Third, damaging
impacts are wider: they do not occur only in front of the light source. · Fourth, although
OR 10.1 (32) conditions external lighting with regard to
biodiversity on-site, it is not clear that this extends to biodiversity in the
Sanctuary and in any case, there must be a significant risk that over the
lifetime of the rear house further lighting would be introduced which would
also adversely affect the Sanctuary. · Fifth, headlights
on the new drive parallel to the driftway are not
subject to conditions. · Sixth, we wonder
whether the welcome planning condition (OR 8.58) of less than ‘1 lux lighting
zone’ is achievable in a domestic outdoor setting? A measurement of 1 lux is
equal to the illumination of a one metre square surface that is one metre away
from a single candle. So, the lighting zone would need to be in virtual
darkness. · TEST 3: Details of
measures to protect and enhance the habitat or species. The applicant’s failure under Test 1 - to
evidence comprehensive surveys of the historic and existing biodiversity – led
to failure under Test 2 to provide a professional ecological assessment of the
impact of the proposed development. These failures lead inevitably to failure
under Test 3. xiii.
The Ecological Mitigation Plan's only specific
recommendations regarding Designated Sites refer to dust and noise control
during construction and adhering to the lighting conditions recommended for
bats that live on site. Without proper awareness of the harm, it is not
surprising that the mitigations proposed fall disastrously short. The Council's
Nature Conservation Officer states: 'Features proposed within the Ecological
Mitigation Plan such as bird boxes, hedgehog holes and hibernaculum would be
appropriate but would not mitigate for the proposed proximity of the
built form to the local wildlife site boundary' [OR 6.8, our
emphasis]. The Case Officer contradicts
this (OR 8.59), claiming that the mitigation plan "demonstrates" sufficient
mitigation through these features. This
latter, lay, assessment is flawed as it is not informed by ‘comprehensive’ data on the existing biodiversity, and
contradicts the Nature Conservation Officer’s professional assessment of
potential harm as required by Local Plan Policy 69. xiv.
Additionally, subsequent tree works in the
Sanctuary have been insisted on by 4 Clarkson Close owners, and Conservation
Area regulations do not protect the reserve against this as the applicant
claims. xv.
Much is made by the applicant of a claimed on-site
Biodiversity Net Gain. Set against harm
to the sanctuary, a small net gain in biodiversity on the development site is
immaterial; and the Nature Conservation Officer maintains his objection to
building close to the boundary. In any
case, the purported net gain would depend on a long-term management regime that
would be difficult to enforce in perpetuity.
It is claimed (OR 8.57) that a "suitable soft landscaping scheme
could be achieved within the site" and that - following concern over gain
persistence expressed by the Nature Conservation Officer –this could "be
conditioned in addition to securing its ongoing management". There is no reference here to what the BNG
requires. It would require all future
residents of the rear house to refrain from mowing their lawn in summer, for
example, and to maintain a thick scrub cover intact right up to the northern
end of the house. Securing this in
perpetuity is surely unrealistic. To conclude: xvi.
The ecological and biodiversity importance of the
ARBS is attested by its designation as a City and a County Wildlife Site, the
BCN Wildlife Trust's accompanying statement, and the Sanctuary’s historic and
contemporary biodiversity records. xvii.
In considering development proposals in proximity
to designated sites of biodiversity value, development management must uphold
the relevant Local Plan Policies with a view to both protecting and enhancing
such sites. xviii.
Local Plan Policy 69 sets out a presumption against
approval “where development is proposed within, adjoining or which will
otherwise affect a locally designated nature conservation site” (para 7.66).
The policy requires the applicant to demonstrate (7.65) the proposal will not
have an adverse effect on biodiversity. Against the policy tests, the applicant
has been shown to have: · (Test 1) failed to
evidence "comprehensive surveys of the historic and
existing biodiversity importance" · (Test 2) failed to
provide "a professional ecological assessment of the impact of the
proposed development" · (Test 3) failed to
provide "details of measures to protect and enhance the habitat or species
identified". xix.
The recorded impact of 4 Clarkson Close and
scientific evidence demonstrate that the proposed development would lead to
irreversible adverse impacts on the Sanctuary's biodiversity and ecology. This
damage would result from the cumulative impacts of construction, and noise and
light pollution and vehicle movements arising from occupation of the proposed
dwelling, which will damage wild populations of a wide range of species,
including the invertebrates which were the basis for designation of the
Sanctuary as a County Wildlife Site. xx.
The presumption against approval can only be
overcome if the benefit of the development outweighs the impacts to the nature
conservation site and if the harm can be mitigated. The applicant has demonstrated neither. The OR acknowledges the requirements to demonstrate no
harm (8.49, 8.50) but fails to say that these requirements have not been met.
The OR sets
aside the professional assessment provided by the Council’s Nature Conservation
Officer. It appears to accept the applicant's statements without questioning
them. xxi.
It is apparent, the only way to protect the
Sanctuary from harm is to protect large gardens surrounding the Sanctuary from
development in accordance with the Conservation Area Appraisal and Local Plan
Policy 67. xxii.
Neither the PEA nor the Planning Statement
acknowledge the designation of the ARBS as Protected Open Space (LP67) and the
fact that it scored highly in a 2011 quality assessment under the Natural and
Semi-natural Green Spaces category.
Local Plan Policy 67 has provision for previously unidentified sites,
"regardless of ownership" (7.43) to qualify as protected open space
(7.46). Contrary to the statement in OR 8.34 the gardens surrounding the ARBS
appear to comprise such space because collectively they fulfil one or more of
the three criteria for environmental importance in Appendix I of the Local Plan
(7.44) through their function as a vital buffer zone around an important nature
reserve. LP 67 states "If an
application is received which affects a site that may be worthy of protection,
an assessment will be made of the site against the assessment criteria listed
in Appendix I" (7.46). No such assessment has been carried out. xxiii.
The Applicant’s proposed mitigation measures at 18
Adams Road do not begin to mitigate the irreversible adverse impacts of
biodiversity of the Sanctuary. In the remarkable event of full compliance and
enforcement of the 33 conditions (set out in OR 10.1) proposed for the
construction period and beyond, they would still not remove or materially
reduce adverse impacts to prevent harm. xxiv.
The Planning Committee would be justified in citing
provisions of Local Plan Policies 67 and 69 as material planning grounds to
refuse this planning application The Committee Manager read out the following points on behalf of
Councillor Payne (Castle Ward Councillor): i.
Adam’s Road Bird Sanctuary
was one of very few publicly accessible open spaces near the city centre, which
offered a protected haven for a wide range of wildlife, including 92 species of
birds (nine on the red list), four amphibians (notably the Great Crested Newt)
and 1,600 invertebrates (52 with formal conservation status, and, notably, half
of British ladybird species), 334 plants and over 100 fungi. ii.
It was also a highly valued
public amenity, offering peace and tranquility to residents from across the
city. iii.
The value of the Bird
Sanctuary was clearly attested by the supporting letter from the Wildlife
Trust, as well as a large number of objections raised
against this development, including 4 in Castle Ward, and others in West
Chesterton and Abbey Wards, which clearly shows that this space had value
beyond its immediate neighbours in Newnham ward. iv.
Noted that the council's
own Trees Officer and Nature Conservation Officer have also recorded their
objections. v.
These concerns have been
added to by evidence from Richard Buxton Solicitors regarding the adverse
impact of this development, and the misinterpretations of the Local Plan within
the application. vi.
Concerned that the proposed
development at 18 Adams Road would have a negative and harmful impact on the
Bird Sanctuary, which has not been fully assessed. vii.
The Biodiversity Net Gain
Assessment report claims there would be a minimal benefit to biodiversity at 18
Adams Road but did not even address the potential negative impact to the Bird
Sanctuary, which would include additional noise, disturbance
and light pollution during and after the development is completed. viii.
Believed this application
should be refused, and a proper assessment of the biodiversity harm to the Bird
Sanctuary should be completed and weighed against the minimal benefit at 18
Adams Road. ix.
The Ecological Appraisal is
focused on the ecological impact at 18 Adams Road, with barely mention of the
impact on the neighbouring Bird Sanctuary. x.
The Ecological Appraisal
does note that great crested newts are present at the Bird Sanctuary but fails
to mention the development’s proximity to notable habitats and plants, birds,
and reptiles. xi.
The Appraisal fails to
address the valuable ecological site next to 18 Adams Road, which should surely
be considered carefully in such assessments. xii.
Giving permission to this
application would set a very dangerous precedent for the Council, by allowing
development next to protected wildlife sites to be subjected to no more
scrutiny than developments which occur in already built-up areas. xiii.
The Bird Sanctuary was a
protected County Wildlife site, so it seemed unreasonable that the unique and
valuable nature of this area has not been considered within the process, and
that protection of sites such as this is not being given the attention due to
it within the planning process. xiv.
Hoped the committee would
hear the clear public opinion on this issue, and refuse permission to this
application, and take this as an opportunity to ensure such a valuable Open
Space (NAT22 on the Policies Map) is protected. The Delivery Manager Development Management: addressed the Committee to
clarify comments regarding Local Plan Policy 67. Officers agreed that Policy 67
did not apply to the application. The Policy related to the protection of open
spaces, which although covered a broad area, was not meant for private gardens.
The open spaces referenced were not protected by from development as there was
permitted development rights. The Committee: Resolved unanimously to refuse the application contrary to the
Officer recommendation for the following reasons:
i.
The application site was located within the West
Cambridge conservation adjacent to Adam’s Road Bird
Sanctuary which is identified as a protected open space and County wildlife
site. · The conservation area had been characterized by
generous buildings located within sustainable gardens with mature trees and
planting. The proposal sought to sub divide the site to create two dwellings plots in a tandem layout would result in a form of
development that would be at odds with this spacious character. · By virtue of
the scale, massing, design, lighting impacts and siting of the northernmost dwelling
would have a significant adverse impact on both the character of the
conservation area and upon the special character, recreational and amenity
value of the ARBS. · The proposal would result in moderate less than substantial harm to the
conservation area, paragraphs 202 & 203 of the National Planning Policy
Framework 2021 would therefore be engaged. The public benefit of the
contribution of one additional dwelling to the housing stock, is considered to be modest and does not outweigh the harm
resulting from the development, consequently the proposals would be contrary to
policies 52,55, 56, 57, 61 and 67 of the Cambridge Local Plan and NPPF 2021.
ii.
The northern most house
would be located near the southern most dwelling. As a result
the later dwelling would gain little benefit from light space and views to the
north. · The application fails to consider the impact of shade
the retaining trees would have on the usability of the outside space of the
southernmost property. The proposal would therefore result in an unreasonable
future pressure of additional tree removals to improve light to the property. · The application also fails to demonstrate that
adequate mitigation could be secured to compensate for the loss of the nine
trees proposed to be removed to accommodate the development. Consequently, the development would be
contrary to policy 71 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018 which resists the loss
of trees of amenity or other value unless there are demonstrable public benefits
that would outweigh the current and future amenity value of the trees.
iii.
The site lies adjacent to
the Adams Road Bird Sanctuary, which is designated as a County wildlife site,
known to host protected species including nesting birds, bats, great crested
newts and invertebrates. Due to the proximity of the built form to the ARBS and
the significant loss of garden to the built form and hardstanding, the proposal
would have a major negative impact on the biodiversity. It has not been
demonstrated that this could be adequately mitigated against to secure
biodiversity net gain. Consequently, the development would be contrary to
Policy 69 and 70 of the Cambridge Local Plan, paragraph 180 of the NPPF 2021
and Natural England Guidance. |
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21/03899/FUL - 157 Shelford Road Minutes: The application was deferred as the Committee ran out of
time to hear the application. |
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21/03508/FUL - Land r/o 368-370 Milton Road Minutes: The application was deferred as the Committee ran out of
time to hear the application. |
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19/1141/NMA1 - 1 Fitzwilliam Road Minutes: The application was deferred as the Committee ran out of time to hear
the application. |