Agenda item

Construction of flood defence in the Hirael area of Bangor to include:-

1.    Improvements to the cycle path.

2.    Construction of a new concrete wall to displace the existing gabions following the footprint of the existing sea wall.

3.    Re-construct slipway.

4.    Construction of earth bund.

5.    Install 2 flood gates.

6.    Raise height of part of Glandwr Road together with erecting a new concrete wall. 

LOCAL MEMBERS: Councillor Medwyn Hughes and Councillor Huw Wyn Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION:

To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.    Five years.

2.    In accordance with the plans/details submitted with the application.

3.    Submission of a Construction Environmental Management Plan to include measures to reduce noise, dust and vibration to be agreed with the LPA.

4.    Submission of a Biosecurity Risk Assessment.

5.    Compliance with the recommendations of the amended Habitats Regulations Assessment.

6.    Submission of a Method Statement Plan/Risk Assessment in order to safeguard Welsh Water assets that cross the site.

7.    Submission of the details of the Archaeological Programme to be followed with a report of the archaeological work carried out on the site.

8.    Restriction of the working hours which includes operating machinery and importing materials between 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and not at all on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays unless the extension of these working hours has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

9.    Safeguard public footpath no. 28 and 29 Bangor during and after the completion of the development.

Construction of flood defences in the Hirael area of Bangor, to include:-

1.         Improvements to the cycle path.

2.         Construction of a new concrete wall to replace the existing gabions and follow the footprint of the existing sea wall.

3.         Rebuilding of slipway.

4.         Erecting a soil embankment.

5.         Installation of two floodgates.

6.         Raise the height of a part of Lôn Glandŵr as well as erecting a new concrete  wall.

a)            The Development Control Officer highlighted that there were several elements to this full application to construct a 550m long flood defence in the Hirael area on the northern coastal outskirts of Bangor and the application was submitted as Hirael, historically, had been at risk of flooding from several sources.  It was noted that the existing coastal defences in Hirael are restricted and the only formal defence in the area were the existing sea wall of deteriorated gabions.  There are no other structures that manage coastal flooding within the area. Under the Shoreline Management Plan 2, Hirael sees a policy change of "holding the line” in Epoch 1 and 2 to "managed realignment" by Epoch 3. 

It was considered that the principle of approving the proposal was acceptable based on its effect on the visual, residential and biodiversity amenities locally and nationally together with transportation matters and the construction of a flood defence in the Hirael area of the city responds positively to the structural weaknesses identified in the existing defences.  

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

·         He welcomed the plan

·         Concern from some residents regarding the loss of a view, however, it was a significant improvement in terms of safety to others

c)            It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

RESOLVED: To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.            Five years.

2.            In accordance with the plans/details submitted with the application.

3.            Submission of a Construction Environmental Management Plan to include measures to reduce noise, dust and vibration to be agreed with the LPA.

4.            Submission of a Biosecurity Risk Assessment.

5.            Compliance with the recommendations of the amended Habitats Regulations Assessment.

6.            Submission of a Method Statement Plan/Risk Assessment in order to safeguard the Welsh Water assets that cross the site.

7.            Submission of the details of the Archaeological Programme to be followed with a report of the archaeological work carried out on the site.

8.            Restriction of the working hours which includes running machines and importing materials between 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and not at all on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays unless the extension of these working hours has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

9.            Safeguard public footpath no. 28 and 29 Bangor during and after the completion of the development.