Issue - meetings

            That planning permission be granted subject to the inclusion of a condition about raising the viewing platform to retain the 360 degree views and a letter being sent to the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) and subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report. 

            The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that the report referred to the relevant issues that had been considered.    

            Councillor Mike Peers proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He explained that he had met with the Cabinet Member for Environment, the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) and the Energy Manager on the proposal.  In welcoming the green benefits of the solar panels he spoke of the need to recognise that this was an amenity site and of ensuring that the extensive 360 degree views would still be seen from the viewing point in the park once the solar panels were in place.  He had discussed the issue with the Cabinet Member and Chief Officer who had indicated that, if necessary, the level of the viewing platform could be raised to retain the views.  He asked that this be conditioned and in referring to the security fencing which would prevent access to the solar panels, he also asked that the footpaths be kept open at all times.  Councillor Peers indicated that he had discussed with the Chief Officer, the possibility of a Section 106 (S106) agreement to secure a community benefit and spoke of an email from the Chief Officer giving assurance that money would come forward to provide a car park for users of the site. 

            In response, the officer confirmed that a condition about the level of the viewing platform could be included and added that the route of the footpaths would be kept open even when the solar panels and security measures were in place.  On the request for a S106, the officer explained that it was not directly related to this proposal and would therefore fail the test for a S106 obligation.  The Chief Officer advised that the Council could not enter into a Section 106 with itself as the applicant and suggested that a letter be sent to the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) on behalf of the Committee to seek a community benefit in connection with the development. 

            On being put to the vote, the Committee agreed to the recommendation of the officer, the inclusion of a condition about raising the viewing platform to retain the 360 degree views and the suggestion to send a letter to the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation).      

            RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be granted subject to the inclusion of a condition about raising the viewing platform to retain the 360 degree views and a letter being sent to the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) and subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).