Play equipment at Bus Station, Bouverie Square, Folkestone

What was proposed

The application sought approval of play equipment and associated containment details required by condition 7 of the approved park scheme.

“A site location plan is detailed below in Figure 1 and attached to this report as Appendix 1. Proposal 3.1. This application seeks approval of details pursuant to condition 7 of planning permission 24/1650/FH. Condition 7 requires details of any play equipment or associated paraphernalia, including enclosures, to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before installation within the approved playground area. 3.2.”

“The principal structure would be 8.02 metres in height and comprise an integrated piece of play equipment featuring elevated towers connected by a fully functional arched neck, forming a continuous play route. It would include two enclosed tube slides, net climbers integrated within the towers and bridging elements, a tower to head connection, internal climbers, a grip climber and a membrane chill zone.”

Officer report

The site and approved park

The site is the former bus station in Folkestone town centre, where construction of the approved outdoor park is ongoing.

“The application is reported to Committee because the applicant is Folkestone and Hythe District Council. Site and Surroundings…”

“The application site comprises the former Folkestone bus station at Bouverie Square, within Folkestone town centre. The site is located between the Asda store and Bouverie Place shopping centre to the north east, the former bus station offices to the south west, Middelburg Square to the north west and the Royal Mail sorting office to the south east.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approving condition 7 because the submitted details were acceptable and satisfactorily addressed the condition.

“Overall, the proposed play area is considered to be a high quality, inclusive and visually attractive play environment that would complement the approved scheme. The submitted details therefore satisfactorily address the requirements of Condition 7 and are consistent with the design objectives for the redevelopment of Bouverie Square.”

“CONCLUSION 8.1. The submitted details relate solely to condition 7 of planning permission 24/1650/FH. The principle of the park and the inclusion of a playground within it have already been established and are not matters for reconsideration through this condition details application. It is considered that the submitted information is acceptable and that condition 7 should be discharged.”

Officer report

Design and safety

The 8.02-metre play structure was considered suitable for the square, while planting, seating, bollards and limited fencing would contain the play area.

“The proposed play equipment would provide a diverse range of play opportunities, with the main structure facilitating climbing, sliding and imaginative play, whilst the roundabout, in ground jumper, swing, mound tunnel, embankment slide, salamander elements and sphere features would provide additional opportunities for accessible and informal play. Collectively, the equipment would cater for a wide range of users and abilities.”

“The proposed soft containment strategy would utilise a series of integrated design measures including seating and visual barriers, structural planting, bollards, changes in level and limited sections of post and chain fencing to define the play space and discourage movement towards surrounding roads.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No statutory consultees were consulted, no resident comments were received, and no ward member comments were recorded.

“Statutory Consultees and Public/Neighbour Consultation 5.1. Statutory consultees are consulted where relevant when technical advice is required. In this case no statutory consultees have been consulted.”

Officer report

Speaking at the meeting

A Strategic Sites Principal Planning Officer advised that Folkestone Town Council had raised no objections.

The decision

The committee approved condition 7 in accordance with the submitted details and authorised additional informatives.

“That condition 7 be approved in accordance with the details and documents submitted, and authorisation is given to the Chief Planning Officer to include additional informatives as he feels is appropriate.”

Minutes