Agenda item

(1)       The Head of Planning Applications Group reported correspondence from the Engineering Services Officer of Ashford Borough Council raising concerns about the parking provisions within the Proposal.  

(2)       In agreeing the Head of Planning Applications Group’s recommendations, the Committee asked for an additional Informative relating to parental traffic. This is set out in (3) below). 

(3)       RESOLVED that subject to the applicant making a contribution to the Ashford Carbon Fund (as referred to in paragraph 38 of the report):-

  (a)     permission be granted to the proposal subject to conditions, including conditions covering the standard time limit; the development being carried out in accordance with the permitted details; the submission of details of the design of any outbuildings and structures; the submission of all materials to be used externally; details of all external lighting; a scheme of landscaping, including ecological enhancement measures, the green roof, and hard surfacing (including car parking and access areas), its implementation and maintenance; measures to protect those trees which are to be retained; details of fencing, gates, walls, the refuse enclosure, and other means of enclosure, including heights and colour finishes; no tree removal taking place during the bird breeding season; the development according with the recommendations of the ecological surveys; a BREEAM rating of “Very Good” being achieved; the submission of a detailed surface water drainage scheme; land contamination; the provision of access, car parking, pick-up/drop-off, circulatory space, and cycle parking prior to first occupation, and their subsequent retention; ongoing monitoring and review of the School Travel Plan; no floodlighting being erected on the site without the written permission of the County Planning Authority; hours of working during construction and demolition being restricted to between 0800 and 1800 Monday to Friday and between the hours of 0900 and 1300 on Saturdays with no operations on Sundays and Bank Holidays; a construction management strategy, including access, parking and circulation within the site for contractors and other vehicles related to construction and demolition operations; and measures to prevent mud and debris being taken onto the public highway; and

(b)       the applicants be advised by Informative that:-

(i)                 account should be taken of the Environment Agency’s advice relating to drainage and the storage of fuel, oil and chemicals;

(ii)               their attention is drawn to the letter from KCC Public Rights of Way, which contains general informatives with regard to works adjacent to and/or on a Public Right of Way.  It is also advised that “ the granting of planning permission confers on the developer no other permission or consent or right to close or divert any Public Right of Way at any time without the express permission of the Highways Authority”;

(iii)             any new vehicular and pedestrian access onto the public highway might need to be subject to a Section 278 Highway Agreement with Kent Highway Services; and

(iv)              the Planning Applications Committee was concerned about the potential impact of the parents’ traffic on the local environment. The dropping off facility as shown on Drawing 718/006/01 Rev F is an integral part of the development, and close management by the School and its Governing Body is required to avoid serious congestion. The use of the drop off facility should be reviewed as part of the regular review of the Travel Plan, and walking buses should be explored and promoted by the School as part of the Travel Plan.