Agenda item

Mr Raymond Shave - Southampton Masonic Hall in Albion Place, Denis Gilbert (local residents/objecting), Nicholas Askew, Head of Public Realm, Green City & Infrastructure, SCC (supporter) and Councillor Noon (ward councillors/supporting) were present and with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting. In addition, the Panel noted that a statement had been received, circulated, and read by the Panel and posted online from Ros Cassy, Old Community Town Forum.

The presenting officer reported no amendments to the report.

During discussion on the item, members raised issues about the loss of a Lime tree and the ongoing maintenance of newly planted trees. Officers agreed to amend their recommendation by the variation to the condition 15, as set out in full below.  

The Panel then considered the recommendation that the application be conditionally approved subject to criteria listed in the report, as amended. Upon being put to the vote the recommendation was unanimously carried.

RESOLVED that planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out within the report and any amended conditions set out below:

Changes to conditions

Condition 15 (Landscaping, lighting & means of enclosure detailed plan (Pre-commencement)

Notwithstanding the submitted details, before the commencement of any site works a detailed landscaping scheme and implementation timetable shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority in writing, which includes:

(i) proposed finished ground levels or contours; hard surfacing materials of the new public realm and pedestrian circulation spaces, raised planter design and associated drainage design, specification of external lighting, structures and ancillary objects (seating, refuse bins, etc);

(ii) planting plans including a minimum of 9 replacement trees; written specifications (including cultivation and other operations associated with plant and grass establishment); schedules plants, noting species, plant sizes and proposed numbers/planting densities where appropriate;

(v) details of any proposed boundary treatment and means of enclosure;

(vi) a landscape management scheme;

(vii) details of the specification and content of historic interpretation boards and ground artwork installation and,

(viii) detailed specification and location of planter areas and upstands, including below ground sections and foundation design.

The approved hard and soft landscaping scheme for the whole site shall be carried out prior to the first operational use or during the first planting season following the full completion of works, whichever is sooner. The approved scheme implemented shall be maintained for a minimum period of 5 years following its complete provision, with the exception of other works approved which shall be retained as approved for the lifetime of the development.

Any approved trees, shrubs, seeded or turfed areaswhich die, fail to establish, are removed or become damaged or diseased, within a period of 5 years from the date of planting shall be replaced by the Developer in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation. The applicant Developer shall be responsible for any new and replacement trees, and their ongoing maintenance, for during the lifetime of the development for a period of 5 years from the date of planting.

Reason: To preserve important archaeological assets and setting of the Town Walls. To improve the appearance of the site whilst ensuring suitable ongoing mitigation for the loss of the Lime tree and enhance the character of the development in the interests of visual amenity, to ensure that the development makes a positive contribution to the local environment and, in accordance with the duty required of the Local Planning Authority by Section 197 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.