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Lewes and Eastbourne
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Agenda item

Churchdale Road Allotments. Application ID: 14013.

Minutes:

140130 (PPP) - Churchdale Road Allotments - The existing allotments will be extended with the addition of new plots and sensitive parking areas – ST ANTHONYS.  Five letters of objection were reported from local residents.  An additional letter of objection regarding concerns in respect of noise and anti-social behaviour was reported at the meeting.

The Specialist Advisors for Planning Policy and Environmental Health raised no objections to the proposal.  The Specialist Advisor for Parks and Gardens advised that in relation to the management of the site by Eastbourne Allotments and Gardens Association (EAGS), no complaints had been received by the Council or EAGS since 2011.  The County Archaeologist raised no objections subject to a number of conditions relating to ongoing archaeology works.   The Environment Agency had confirmed that no objections were raised in terms of increased flood risk.  The County Ecologist had carried out a detailed habitat survey and a condition was proposed to ensure the sensitive treatment of ecology prior to commencement of the development. 

Mr Williams addressed the Committee against the proposal and raised concerns regarding flooding, pollution, loss of privacy and the impact on wildlife.  He stated that every year both fields flood and the water comes to the boundary of his property.  Bonfires are a regular occurrence and are preventing the use of his garden.  Although the rules prohibit running businesses from the site, tree surgeons were bringing materials to the site to dispose of.  Noise was created by building sheds and over large sheds were already on site.  Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of security on site, the loss of privacy with users being much closer to the existing properties and the impact on wildlife in the area.

The Lawyer to the Council informed the meeting that  complaints regarding smoke from bonfires could be made to the Council’s Environment team for investigation as possible statutory nuisances under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.  The Committee was advised that with regard to privacy and security issues, it is proposed to use buffer zones, a ditch and native planting to reduce the impact on residents.  In recent years the allotment site has been made more secure with the replacement gates and fences.  The site rules instruct the entrance gates to remain locked at all times. 

The Committee supported the use of large green waste containers successfully trialled within the Gorringe Road complex to reduce the need for fires. 

The Senior Specialist Advisor reported that with regard to the stewardship of the site, he will report on the concerns raised at the meeting with the EAGS.  It was noted that the allotment rules clearly set out what is expected in terms of behaviour and the restrictions on structures on the site.  It was also agreed that appropriate measures will be in place to survey and if possible and practical to do so secure the existing pond within the flooding mitigation measures at the site.. 

(NB: Councillor Ungar withdrew from the room whilst this item was considered. Councillor Harris took the Chair).

RESOLVED:(By 5 votes with 2 abstentions) That permission be granted subject to: 1) Time limit for commencement 2) In accordance with approved drawings 3) Hours for works of implementation 4) Ongoing archaeology 5) Protection of retained trees 6) Sensitive treatment of ecology (pre-commencement) 7) Submission of sufficient flood risk information 8) Sheds sited on furthest point from residential boundary within plots 9) Boundary Hedgerow to be maintained.

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