Depot demolition at West Suffolk Council Depot, Olding Road, Bury St Edmunds

“Ward: Minden Proposal: Notification under Part 11 Class B of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 - removal of cladding and existing asbestos sheet roofing for the entire building and demolition of the structural frame from gridlines 15-27”

“The proposal is for the removal of cladding and existing asbestos sheet roofing for the entire building, and demolition of the structural frame from Gridlines 15-27 at the West Suffolk Council Depot, Olding Road, Bury St Edmunds.”

“The site incorporates the former West Suffolk Council depot and warehouse building on Olding Road, Bury Saint Edmunds.”

“The existing building was initially a two-bay portal frame warehouse and office block, designed to accommodate manufacturing plant and equipment for the agricultural industry. The building was extended between 1964 and 1975 to a three-bay portal frame. The office accommodation was demolished. A masonry party wall was later provided to divide the original building and enable dual occupancy.”

“DC/19/2335/HYB Hybrid Planning Application - 1) Planning Application - Alter and extend existing warehouse/depot to create a new public/private sector hub with new sports and leisure facilities including new energy centre, surface car parks, a multi-storey car park, sports pavilion, associated landscaping and highways improvement works (following demolition of existing leisure centre, retail clearance building and ancillary buildings associated with former operational depot)…”

“DC/25/2028/FUL Planning application - a. change of use and part demolition of existing warehouse/depot (class B8) to leisure/recreation use (class E(d)) b. replacement roof and cladding c. associated infrastructure, parking and landscaping works Pending Decision…”

“It is considered that the method and manner of demolition is acceptable. It is considered that the manner of restoration for the site and that the impacts upon biodiversity will also be acceptable.”

“It is recommended that it be confirmed that Prior Approval as to the method of demolition is NOT REQUIRED.”

“No consultations are required to take place, and no public representations have been received. However, the Council Ecologist has been consulted in relation to ecological matters. Their comments are summarised below.”

“Ecology Officer - No objection to the proposed demolition, subject to restricting demolition to outside of the bird breeding season (March- August) and (if applicable) suitable fencing to protect the native hedgerow.”

“The applicant has submitted a comprehensive method of demolition statement which the Local Planning Authority are content with. It details the removal of the roof, cladding, steels work, dust suppression measures, that all operatives will have the correct licences and certificates when dealing with asbestos and that training certificates will be available on site with all operatives using plant and machinery.”

“Officers are satisfied that demolition undertaken in the terms specified above within the method of demolition statement in accordance with best practice and all relevant legislation will minimise general disturbance to the occupiers of the residential properties on Newmarket Road to the south, staff working at West Suffolk House to the north, members of the public using Bury St Edmunds Leisure centre to the east, users of the skate park to the west, and are considered…”

“Councillor Susan Glossop asked a question in relation to the removal of the asbestos and how this would be managed, mindful of the close proximity to West Suffolk House.”

“The Senior Planning Officer assured Members that the removal of asbestos would be carried out by a registered contractor with licenced disposal methods. The Service Manager Planning added that the Council, as applicant, would ensure that all relevant communication was issued to West Suffolk House users once any works commenced on site.”

“Councillor Jim Thorndyke proposed that the recommendation be approved, this was duly seconded by Councillor Andy Neal.”

“Upon being put to the vote and with the vote being unanimous, it was confirmed that…”

“Prior Approval as to the method of demolition was NOT REQUIRED.”