School boundary fencing at St Oswalds Roman Catholic Primary School, Accrington

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered fencing, sports-pitch fencing, land levels, a play area, a footpath and secure storage.

“The proposal contains insufficient landscaping to soften the appearance of the fence. Without mature planting or other screening measures, the fence will remain a stark and dominant feature when viewed from neighbouring gardens and homes. The proposal also has the potential to set an undesirable precedent for similar high- security boundary treatments within residential areas.”

“11/12/0366 RE-PROFILING LAND LEVELS IN CONNECTION WITH PLANNING REFERENCE 11/12/0192, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL LAND DRAINAGE. A/C 05/11/2012 11/12/0192. ERECTION OF 3M HIGH FENCING TO PERIMETER OF EXISTING SPORTS PITCH. A/C 18.06.2012. 11/07/0351. ERECTION OF 2.4m HIGH 2D MESH SECURITY FENCING, EXTENSION TO PLAY AREA AND CREATION OF A FOOTPATH AND PROVISION OF SECURE STORAGE UNIT.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the open fencing would support school security without unacceptable effects on residential amenity, character, access or highways.

“Impact on highway safety and transport 5.1. The proposal would have no material impact on highway safety, traffic or parking arrangements. The development is limited to the erection of fencing within the existing school grounds and would not result in any alteration to the existing access arrangements, parking provision or use of the surrounding highway network. 5.2.”

“Whilst the fencing would result in some visual change, it would not have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity, the character and appearance of the area, the public right of way or highway safety. The proposal is therefore considered to accord with the relevant policies of the Hyndburn 2040: Local Plan (Strategic Policies and Site Allocations), the Hyndburn Development Management Development Plan Document and the National Planning Policy Framework.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and Sport England raised no objections, while the rights-of-way response confirmed the footpath had been stopped up.

“[name withheld] informed the committee of a late consultation response from LCC Public Rights of Way, confirming that the relevant footpath had been stopped up by an Order made on 7 November 1968. No objection was therefore raised to the application. Members were advised that the relevant section would be removed from the current digitised mapping and that Informative 05 in the Officer Report was no longer required.”

“Members were advised that LCC Highways and Sport England had raised no objections to the proposal. It was confirmed that the Construction Method Statement initially requested by LCC Highways was no longer required, following the submission of details relating to measures to be undertaken during the construction phase. No response had been received from HBC Environmental Health.”

Minutes

Who spoke

One speaker opposed the fencing over height, outlook, maintenance, security and enclosure; another supported it for safeguarding, maintenance and access reasons.

Members’ debate

Members weighed residents’ concerns about maintaining the gap against safeguarding, controlled access, intruders and the school’s restricted use of its playing field.

“Members acknowledged the concerns of residents regarding the proposed fencing, while also recognising the importance of safeguarding pupils and securing the school site. Concerns were raised regarding how the strip of land between the proposed fencing, and the existing boundary would be maintained, as failure to maintain this area could cause problems for neighbouring residents.”

“Members also discussed the need for controlled access to the school grounds, noting concerns regarding intruders and unauthorised access. It was recognised that safeguarding was a priority and that security concerns were currently affecting the school’s ability to make full use of the playing field.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“Resolved – The application was approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes