Construction of a
new bridge, realign the A497 and approaches with improvements to an existing
junction, tree felling and new landscaping
LOCAL
MEMBER: Councillor Anwen Davies
Decision:
To delegate powers to the Senior
Planning Manager to approve the application subject to conditions
1. Time
2. In accordance with the plans
3. Biodiversity
4. Highways
5. Agree materials
6. Archaeology
7. Construction Environmental Management Plan to be
submitted
8. Landscaping / Trees
9. Flooding matters
Minutes:
Attention was drawn to
the late observations form.
a) The Planning Manager highlighted that the application was a full
application to construct a new vehicular bridge and to re-align the A497 highway
as the original bridge had suffered structural damage in January 2019. It was
explained that the A497 was one of the main routes between the towns of
Pwllheli and Nefyn and the existing bridge was a
grade II listed structure which spanned the Rhyd Hir river. It was noted that the site was located within
the Llŷn and Bardsey Island Landscape of
Outstanding Historic Interest and the Gefail y Bont wildlife site abutted the northern end of the existing
bridge. It was reiterated that the area to the south of the bridge, where the
new bridge would be located, was within a Western Llŷn
Special Landscape Area designation.
It was explained that the proposed scheme measured approximately 600m
long, including the tie-ins on both sides of the existing road. The proposed
bridge would be a concrete arch clad with local masonry. No objection had been
received to the application and it was reported that the flooding element had
received significant consideration.
It was noted that the area was within C2 flood zone on
current flood maps and in Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk
(2004). Therefore, a Flood Consequence Assessment had been submitted with the
application. Natural Resources Wales had expressed concern that the assessment
did not indicate how the risks and their outcomes would be managed. As a
result, an amended assessment had been submitted to clearly demonstrate the
flood risk management measures. It was found there would be some change to
flooding depths due to the nature of the land, but it was noted that this would
be a negligible change even during extreme periods. It was suggested that the
greatest change between the two bridges would be evident when flood water was
expected to rise up the slopes on either side of the bridge. It was reiterated
that it was intended to purchase this land as part of the arrangements for
constructing the new bridge.
Having considered the amended Flood Consequence
Assessment along with the other relevant information that was submitted, it had
been sufficiently demonstrated that the development would not cause any
increase in the risk to life or any significant risk to property. NRW had no
objection to the amended plan and therefore, it was considered that the
application complied with TAN 15 and policy ISA 1 of the Joint LDP.
Having considered all material planning matters
including local and national policies and guidance and all observations
received, it was considered that the proposal was acceptable and in line with
relevant policies.
b) It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
c)
During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by
members:
·
The development was to be welcomed.
·
The area of the bridge was dangerous.
·
It was hoped that the
new bridge would be completed in time for the National Eisteddfod in 2023.
ch) In response to a question whether the bridge would be multi-use – as a
footpath, cycle path and bridle path, it was noted that it was intended to use
the old bridge for this purpose.
RESOLVED: To delegate powers
to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application subject to conditions
1. Time
2. In accordance with the
plans
3. Biodiversity
4. Highways
5. Agree materials
6. Archaeology
7. Construction
Environmental Management Plan to be submitted
8. Landscaping / Trees
9. Flooding matters
Supporting documents: