Work is due to start on the Beales Lane St Catherine’s site in the week beginning 31st January, preparing for demolition of the old buildings. This is subject to acceptance by Elmbridge Borough Council that all preconditions have been met, including a comprehensive Construction Transport Management Plan (see below). We are happy to note that the landmark Yew Tree on the corner is being carefully protected.
The Planning Inspectorate allowed, on appeal, the high density development of 28 flats on the site, to be built in a style unlike anything else in the area. Elmbridge had refused consent for this very controversial development, following many objections from local residents: concillors concluded that the proposed building was out of keeping and would have a negative impact. PPDRA submitted a comprehensive objection to the proposals, summarsing local concerns, which received a response from the applicant.
There was huge disappointment locally at the appeal decision. The Planning Inspector came to a different conclusion from Elmbridge and allowed the development, despite acknowledging that the Elmbridge refusal was a reasonable judgement call and soundly based in planning law. It seems that good local planning decisions are increasingy being overturned on appeal by the central planning inspectorate.
Local residents are now especially concerned about retaining access to their homes while this major new development takes shape — Beales Lane is very narrow and is the sole vehicle access for around 40 homes — and the way it will add to local parking stress.
PPDRA has been in continuing contact with the developers to share local concerns about the need to moderate the negative impact of constuction work.
The Planning Inspector included a detailed condition around construction transport:
Extract from Appeal Decision APP/K3605/W/19/3237800
SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS
…
5) No development including groundworks and demolition shall commence until a Construction Transport Management Plan (CTMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.
The CTMP shall include details of:
(a) parking for vehicles of site personnel, operatives and visitors;
(b) loading and unloading of plant and materials;
(c) storage of plant and materials;
(d) programme of works (including measures for traffic management);
(e) provision of boundary hoarding behind any visibility zones;
(f) HGV deliveries and hours of operation;
(g) vehicle routing;
(h) measures to prevent the deposit of materials on the highway;
(i) before and after construction condition surveys of the highway and a commitment to fund the repair of any damage caused;
(j) no HGV movements to or from the site shall take place between the hours of 07:45 and 9.15 am and 15:00 and 17:30, nor shall the contractor permit any HGVs associated with the development at the site to be laid up, waiting, in local residential roads during these times; and
(k) on-site turning for construction vehicles.
Thereafter the approved development shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved CTMP.
Leave a Reply