Temporary library cabins at Bus Shelter Adjacent To The Centurion, Colchester

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 The application seeks planning permission for the temporary siting/use of the library accommodation for a period of 24 months after which the library will move into their new space, the temporary structure will be removed, and the site will revert to its current use.”

“The existing site for the proposed temporary library cabin is situated in Greenstead community area where magnolia drive meets hawthorn avenue.”

“The proposed cabin is located on the public footpath between the existing library building and family solutions building ‘The Centurian’, which will be acting as the site office and welfare facilities for the construction phase of the larger development top the exiting library and the community centre.”

“Relevant Planning History 6.1 Application ref. 252034 for the ‘Demolition of Colchester Borough Housing/Family Solutions building (formerly The Centurion public house), proposed single storey extension to Greenstead Community Centre, recladding of existing building and formation of new public square, formation of enclosed external spaces to library building, minor works and recladding of entrance to Hawthorn GP Surgery, St Edmunds House’ was considered at the Planning…”

“These approved works are intended to support the delivery of a Heart of Greenstead ‘campus hub’. The proposed development is anticipated to deliver a range of community benefits, including improvements to the character, appearance and functionality of the site.”

“Report 12.1 The Greenstead Library will be closed while it being refurbished as part of the ‘Heart of Greenstead’ project, the cabins being proposed in this application will provide a temporary library that mean the services delivered at the library can continue while the existing library is closed.”

“Planning Balance and Conclusion 13.1 In conclusion, these proposed temporary works are considered to be an important part of the delivery of the Heart of Greenstead community project, allowing the library in Greenstead to remain operational in some form during its closure for refurbishment. No objections to the proposal have been received.”

“Essex Highway Authority The Highway Authority raised a concern that the cabins may be located on highway land. In response to this the Agent requested a drawing showing land ownership, which confirms that the application site does not sit on land that is part of the publicly maintainable highway. It is therefore considered that there are no issues in respect of the correct land ownership certification process being followed.”

“Temporary Permission The period of this permission shall expire 24 months after the date that the temporary library hereby approved commences operation to the public. Within 28 days of the expiry of this temporary permission, the temporary cabins shall be removed from the site and the site shall be restored to the condition prior to the installation of the cabins, including the reinstatement of the bollards that were removed to facilitate the cabins.”

“Limits to Hours of Work No demolition or construction work shall take place outside of the following times; Weekdays: 08:00-18:00 Saturdays: 08:00-13:00 Sundays and Bank Holidays: No working. Reason: To ensure that the construction phase of the development hereby permitted is not detrimental to the amenity of the area and/or nearby residents by reason of undue noise at unreasonable hours.”

“260783 Bus Shelter Adj To The Centurion, Hawthorn Avenue Colchester The Committee considered an application for a temporary library to be erected for a period of 24 months while the Greenstead library was being refurbished. The application was referred to the Planning Committee because the applicant was Colchester City Council. The Committee had before it a report in which all information was set out.”