To consider the above application.
Minutes:
Consideration was given to the above application.
(Councillor J Macrae, the Ward Councillor, Councillor L Gilbert, a visiting Councillor, Councillor Mrs O Hunter, the neighbouring Ward Councillor, Town Councillor Michael Houghton, representing Knutsford Town Council, Steve Torkington representing Save Tatton Action Group, Mr Reeves, an objector, Susan Appleton, a supporter, Phillippa Meachin, a supporter and Tom Blofeld, the applicant attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application).
RESOLVED
That for the reasons set out in the report and in the written and oral update to Board the application be approved subject to:-
(1) An Agreement under s111 Local Government Act 1972 and s1 Localism Act 2011 securing (by way of a further Agreement under s106 Town & Country Planning Agreement 1990):-
(a) £800,000 comprising £160,000 to be paid upon the Development first being brought into use and £160,000 on the anniversary of that date for the following four years, to be spent by the Council on works identified in the Conservation Action Plan at Appendix 1 of “The Bewilderwood Scheme – Public Benefits vs Harm” statement submitted with the planning application. The programme of works may be amended from time to time with the consent of the Interim Planning & Place Shaping Manager but shall always accord with the latest QuinQuennial Review of the Heritage Asset and shall not be spent within the Bewilderwood site.
(b) A Performance Bond on terms approved by the Council and given by a reputable financial institution approved by the Council, which guarantees performance of site restoration works required by condition, upon the Development ceasing to operate.
(c) Further sums which will vary according to the income generated by the scheme and which shall be calculated according to the methodology used to produce the 5 – 20 Year Potential Financial Profile at Appendix 2 of “The Bewilderwood Scheme – Public Benefits vs Harm” statement submitted with the planning application. Agreeing the detail of the methodology is delegated to the Interim Planning & Place Shaping Manager and the Chief Operating Officer, who will take into account the Applicants` full business plan for the Development and may discount sums already secured for the benefit of the Heritage Asset by other means such as lease or licence of the site. Such further sums are to be spent by the Council on works identified in a Conservation Management Plan for the Heritage Asset based on the draft Conservation Management Plan at Appendix 3 of “The Bewilderwood Scheme – Public Benefits vs Harm” statement submitted with the planning application. The programme of works may be amended from time to time with the consent of the Interim Planning & Place Shaping Manager but shall always accord with the latest QuinQuennial Review of the Heritage Asset and shall not be spent within the Bewilderwood site.
And subject to the following conditions:-
1. Standard time 3 years
2. Development to proceed in accordance with the approved plans
3. The development permitted by this planning permission shall only be carried out in accordance with the approved Drainage Strategy & Flood Risk Assessment by Bidwells dated Feb 2012 and the following mitigation measures detailed within the FRA:
a) Implementation, supervision and monitoring of the approved Tree Protection Scheme
b) Implementation, supervision and monitoring of the approved Tree Work Specification
c) Implementation, supervision and monitoring of all approved construction works within any area designated as being fenced off or otherwise protected in the approved Tree Protection Scheme
d) Timing and phasing of Arboricultural works in relation to the approved development.
17. The plans and particulars submitted in accordance with condition 16 above shall include:
a) a plan showing the location of, and allocating a reference number to, each existing tree on the site which has a stem with a diameter, measured over the bark at a point 1.5m above ground level, exceeding 75mm, showing which trees are to be retained and the crown spread of each retained tree.
b) details of the species, diameter (measured in accordance with paragraph (a) above) and the approximate height, and an assessment of the general state of health and stability of each retained tree and of each tree which is on land adjacent to the site and to which paragraphs (c) and (d) below apply.
c) details of any proposed topping or lopping of any retained tree or of any tree on land adjacent to the site.
d) details of any proposed alterations in existing ground levels, and the position of any proposed excavation, within the crown spread of any retained tree or of any tree on land adjacent to the site, or within a distance from any retained tree or any tree on land adjacent to the site equivalent to half the height of that tree.
e) details of the specification and proposed fencing and of any other measures to be taken for the protection of any retained tree from damage before or during the course of development.
In this condition ‘retained tree’ means an existing tree which is to be retained in accordance with the plan referred to in paragraph (a) above.
18. Restoration of the site once the development ceases to operate
19. 4. No excavation material to be taken off site
20. Removal of all imported stone and surfaces and car park planting within 3 months of the attraction ceasing to operate
21. Implementation of Great Crested Newt mitigation strategy unless amended by subsequent Natural England license.
22. Detailed specification of fencing designed to restrict visitor access outside the recognised activity areas.
23. Undertake and submit an updated badger survey/method statement immediately prior to commencement of works.
24. Submission of habitat management plan for the identified onsite and offsite woodlands to specifically include detailed proposals for the enhancement of breeding bird habitats including dead wood provision. Management to be for the operational life of the development.
25. Method statement for installation of service trenches.
26. Safeguarding of breeding birds
27. Submission of details of bird nest box provision (reflecting what the RSPB asked for).
28. Pond restoration method statement.
29. Submission of detailed proposals for the provision of bat boxes.
30. Detailed proposals for the restoration of c.9ha of parkland habitat.
31. Management plan for the restored area of parkland for the duration of the operational life of the development.
32. Detailed proposals for the establishment of eastern boundary hedgerow.
33. Detailed method statement for translocation and re-establishment of any woodland ground flora to be adversely affected by the proposed development.
34. Submission of Construction Wildlife Management Plan
35. Traffic Management Plan to be submitted to the LPA prior to occupation
36. All service trench work should be implemented in accordance with NJUG 10
(2) The approval notice shall not be issued until the application has been referred to the Secretary of State in accordance with the TCP (Consultation)(England) Direction 2009 and either (i) the Secretary of State has notified the LPA that he does not intend to call in the application for determination by him or (ii) 21 days have expired since the Secretary of State received the application and he has not called it in for determination.
In the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Board’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Interim Planning and Place Shaping Manager has delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Board, provided that the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Board’s decision.
(The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.25pm until 2.10pm).
Supporting documents: