Agenda item

A report was presented on an application for the construction of four kiosks and widening / modifications to the existing access road (in connection with other improvements to existing waste water treatment works to be carried out under permitted development rights) at Wilpshire Waste Water Treatment Works, Ribchester Road, Clayton le Dale.

The report included the views of Ribble Valley Borough Council, Clayton-le-Dale Parish Council, LCC Ecology Service, the Environment Agency, LCC Highways Development Control and details of six letters of representation received comprising four objections and two letters of support.

The Development Management Officer presented a PowerPoint presentation showing an aerial view of the site and the nearest residential properties. The Committee was also shown an illustration of the proposed kiosks, the site layout plan, access arrangements and landscaping together with photographs of the site and access road. A plan was shown displaying the access works including temporary works that would be in place during the construction period which would be removed once completed leaving a new improved access to the site.

The officer drew attention to the Update Sheet which contained an additional representation from two local residents, a further comment from LCC Highways and details of an amendment to Condition 2b to include two amended drawings.

Mr Almond, a local resident addressed the committee. He informed the committee that he and other residents in the community, were not against improvements to the treatment works but were opposed to a contradictory proposal to build a permanent new road in order to allow construction vehicles temporary access to the treatment works. 

Mr Almond challenged why given the small increase in vehicle movements to the site each week, United Utilities wished to build a new and permanent road, destroying established wildlife habitat and numerous trees including some that and are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Mr Almond suggested that the two landowners who individually own the significant parcels of land to the east and west of the proposed new permanent road had an interest in the creation of a new and permanent road onto their land that might support potential future development opportunities.  He therefore called on the committee to refuse the application as a new and permanent road was not required.

County Councillor Alan Schofield addressed the committee on behalf of a number of local residents. He urged the committee to refuse the application for the following summarised reasons:

·  The application involves the unnecessary wanton, complete destruction (and would be non-restorable) of land with numerous mature trees etc among significant environmental habitat land known locally as 'The Croft'. 

·  There is an available, alternative non-destructive route for the temporary construction traffic i.e. via a short & wide public highway off Ribchester Rd

·  The proposed development would impinge on the footpath and on the safety of the numerous walkers who use the Clayton-le-Dale FP46.

Following debate and in response to concerns raised by the Committee, the officer confirmed that any future TPOs with regard to the replacement trees would be a matter for the borough council to determine; that the development would be of a temporary nature; and that the land and temporary parts of the access route would be restored following the completion of construction.

Resolved:  That subject to the amendment to condition 2b as outlined in the Update Sheet, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report to the committee.