Decision details

A report was presented on the erection of a single storey detached timber classroom pod and associated access path at Heyhouses Endowed C of E Junior Primary School, Clarendon Road North, St. Annes

The report included the views of Fylde Borough Council, St Annes on Sea Parish Council and details of three letters of representation received.

The Development Management Officer presented a PowerPoint presentation showing a site location plan, an illustration of the proposed development and photographs of the site from various viewpoints.

The officer reported orally that the County Council's Highways Development Control had raised no objection to the proposals as the provision of the pod classroom was not expected to result in any significant increase in peak period traffic movements. It was however, acknowledged that the current school operations would result in a few parking and movement issues. Therefore, in order to support highway safety, it was recommended that the applicant pursue a day time waiting restriction over a length of Clarendon Road North from the existing 'no waiting at any time' (double yellow lines) at Ramsgate Road/Clarendon Road North to a point some 25 metres east. This would provide a safer environment to allow pedestrian movements across Clarendon Road North in this location, with improved visibility which would also prevent children and parents having to cross between parked vehicles.

It was also suggested that no part of the development hereby approved should be occupied or opened for use until an updated School Travel Plan that reflected both this proposal and the full permitted land uses on the site, has been submitted to and approved by the County Planning Authority.

The Development Management Officer advised that the suggestion by LCC Highways for a waiting restriction over a length of Clarendon Road North Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00pm, was noted. However, the suggested parking restrictions would require a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) that was a separate legal process that would have to be pursued outside the planning process and which therefore should not be the subject of a planning condition.

With regard to the request for a school travel plan, the Officer advised that such a requirement was included on the planning permission ref 5/13/0122 for a new school on this site which was granted in June 2013. Therefore, it was not considered necessary to repeat the requirement on the permission for the classroom pod.

The Officer responded to questions raised by the Members with regard to the proximity of the proposed development to the nearest residential houses following which it was:

Resolved: That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report to the Committee.