Temporary construction access footpath at Tetbury Hill, Malmesbury

What was proposed

A new footpath would link nearby housing to the town centre and temporarily carry construction traffic for the proposed school extension.

“The development comprises a new footpath alongside the boundary of the school site. This would provide a new pedestrian link from the Backbridge Farm residential development at the west of the school to the east of the school site to provide a more direct access route towards the centre of Malmesbury.”

“The temporary construction access is proposed due to direct access to the site from Gleiser View, as intended by the associated application, not being agreed with the landowner.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The route crosses grassland between the school, a football pitch and the river, in an area affected by flood risk and without existing access.

“The site comprises a small section of undeveloped grassland between the school site and the river to the south. The land borders Malmesbury Primary School to the north, the Malmesbury FC football pitch to the east and further grassland lies to the west. Residential development in Park Road lies beyond the river (Tetbury Avon) to the south.”

“The land is classified as Grade 4 agricultural land. It lies predominantly within Flood Zone 2 and to a lesser extent Flood Zone 3. The Council’s SFRA indicates that across the site, groundwater levels are indicated to be either at or very near (within 0.025m of) the ground surface in part and between 0.025m and 0.5m below the ground surface in part. There is also a Risk of Flooding from Surface Water in the 1 in 100-year extent.”

Officer report

Relevant planning background

The planning history includes the existing school, housing development and land secured for the potential school expansion.

“N/07/07018/FCM - Wiltshire Council R3 Decision - NOOBJECT Date: 10/10/2007 – Construction of Single Storey Children’s Centre Without Compliance with Condition 4 of Permission N.06.07037 N/11/00763/FUL - Full planning permission Decision - Refused Date: 28/4/2011 – Proposed Animal Shelter and Store N/12/00833/FUL - Full planning permission Decision - Approve with Conditions Date: 17/5/2012 – External Canopies to South Elevation N/12/01240/FUL - Full planning permission…”

“PL/2023/04865 - Removal/variation of conditions Decision - Approve with Conditions Date: 15/9/2023 – Variation of Condition 17 of 16/06401/FUL (Residential Development Comprising 201 Dwellings (Use Class C3) and the Provision of Land for the Potential Expansion of Malmesbury Primary School, New Vehicular Access, Public Open Space, Landscaping and other Associated Infrastructure Works at Land at Backbridge Farm) School expansion site:”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the long-term pedestrian connection outweighed temporary construction effects, which could be controlled by conditions.

“In the short term the proposed development would give rise to additional traffic movement in Poole Road and its junction with Tetbury Hill for the duration of the construction of the extension, if approved. Such impacts are of concern to local residents and include safety concerns when combined with existing school traffic and associated pedestrian movements in this area.”

“After consideration of all representations and consultations, planning policy and material considerations, including the planning history and the scope of the application, the application is considered appropriate for the reasons set out in the report and it is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the imposition of the conditions set out below.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The headteacher spoke in support, a member of the public addressed the committee, and the local unitary member supported the application.

Members’ questions

Members asked officers about possible construction periods and other access points in the area.

“Members of the committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the officers. Details were sought over potential periods of construction, and other access points for the area.”

Minutes

The committee decision

After a procedural motion to move directly to the vote, the committee resolved to grant full planning permission subject to conditions.

“Following a procedural motion to move directly to the vote, there was no additional debate, and on the motion of Cllr Gavin Grant, seconded by Cllr Ashley O’Neill, it was…”

“To GRANT full planning permission subject to conditions as set out below:”

Minutes

Conditions on permission

The officer report identified conditions covering timing, plans, ecology, trees, construction traffic, landscaping and lighting.

“The application is considered acceptable, subject to the conditions included within this report, covering the following matters, as necessary to secure an acceptable form of development:”

“Time Limit 2. Approved Plans 3. Ecology compliance 4. Arboricultural compliance 5. Construction Traffic Management Plan/Construction Method Statement 6. Soft Landscaping 7. Lighting…”

Officer report