Agenda item

Creation of a car park for 30 vehicles, create a new vehicular access, footpaths together with the installation of 2 charging points for electric cars and a pay and display machine 

 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Paul Rowlinson

 

Link to relevant background documents

To delegate powers to the Assistant Head of the Environment Department to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.    5 years

2.    In compliance with plans

3.    Provide a CEMP

4.    Provide a Landscaping Plan

5.    Provide a Construction Traffic Plan

6.    Archaeological matters

7.    Conform to the Initial Environmental Assessment requirements and suggestions

8.    No lighting except for what has been agreed

9.    Boundary treatment to be completed prior to using the parking bays

 

Notes

·         Ordinary Watercourse Consent

·         SUDS

·         Welsh Water

 

Creation of a car park for 30 vehicles, create a new vehicular access, footpaths together with the installation of 2 charging points for electric cars and a pay and display machine 

 

a)      The Planning Manager elaborated on the background of the application, noting that the site was located opposite the development boundary of the Bethesda local service centre. It was noted that there was no specific policy within the LDP that referred particularly to the provision of new car parks, however, it was considered that policies PCYFF 2, PCYFF3, TRA 2 and TRA 4 were relevant in this case.

 

It was explained that the proposal's purpose was to provide vehicular parking bays for the communities of Gerlan and Gwernydd. It was reported, due to the built nature and narrow streets in this residential area, there was a serious lack of parking places (private and public) off the public roads network.  It was not considered that this proposal was likely to promote or lead to an increase in use of private vehicles but would rather mitigate the existing parking issues in the community.

 

It was noted that the Transportation Unit had confirmed that the proposal conformed to the parking standards and the proposed access would not have a detrimental impact on road safety.  It was considered that the location, size and setting of the extension was logical and acceptable based on principle, design, scale, materials, local building forms, highway matters and residential amenities. Therefore the proposal complied with the relevant local and national policies and guidance.

 

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following points:

·         He supported the application

·         There was a real need for additional parking sites in the area - the streets were narrow and the lack of parking space was a matter of concern to many

·         Buses had difficulties 

·         He thanked the Community Council (the applicant) for submitting the application

·         That many had highlighted concerns regarding visitors to the Carneddau parking in the area - this happened anyway

·         Creating a parking site would not add to flooding concerns 

·         The traditional stone wall would be demolished and re-used

·         Hedges would be planted for wildlife 

·         He welcomed the installation of electric vehicle charging points - this was a step in the right direction

·         There was a need to ensure that the site was well-managed

 

ch)  It was proposed and seconded to approve the application

 

c)   During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by members:

·         That parking was evidently a problem in the area

·         Concern that residents would have to pay for parking, however, this was probably a matter for the Community Council to discuss and control 

·         There was a suggestion that a feasibility assessment needed to be undertaken - would local residents be willing to pay or continue to park on the road? If not enough would pay for the parking site would this have an impact on the Community Council's plan to repay their debt?

 

       RESOLVED: To delegate powers to the Assistant Head of the Environment Department to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

 

1.         5 years

2.         In compliance with plans

3.         Provide a CEMP

4.         Provide a Landscaping Plan

5.         Provide a Construction Traffic Plan

6.         Archaeological matters

7.         Conform to the Initial Environmental Assessment requirements and suggestions

8.         No lighting except for what has been agreed

9.         Boundary treatment to be completed prior to using the parking bays

 

Notes

• Ordinary Watercourse Consent

• SUDS

• Welsh Water