Public square improvements at Culver Square, Colchester

What was proposed

The application proposed removing the fountain and installing movable seating, planters, paving and lighting so the square could host more activities.

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 This Planning application is for ‘Proposed changes to the public realm of Culver Square. The proposal will replace the existing fountain with a new suitable and attractive street furniture. This will allow the square to be used for a wider range of public activities.”

“The proposals involve the removal of the existing fountain and its replacement with a flexible arrangement of street furniture, including seating and planters, providing a comparable level of public seating. The new furniture can be rearranged to accommodate events and seasonal activities within the square.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The pedestrianised shopping square lies in a conservation area beside nationally and locally listed buildings, and the fountain has not operated since 2011.

“Site Description and Context 3.1 Culver Square is a pedestrianised shopping area on the south side of Colchester City Centre that connects Sir Isaacs Walk and Culver St West. The application site is situated within the boundaries of Colchester’s designated Conservation Area 1 and is adjacent to a number of nationally and locally listed buildings.”

“The fountain was installed as part of the original square design and incorporates a bronze sculpture by local artist Tim Holding (1940–2018), a prominent member of the Colchester Art Society. Although intended as a working water feature, it experienced longstanding safety and maintenance issues and was decommissioned in 2011 due to its high water usage, after which it was planted.”

Officer report

Earlier temporary works

Earlier permissions covered temporary artwork, seasonal decorations over the fountain and planters attached to walls in the shopping centre.

“Relevant Planning History 6.1 230526 Temporary installation of artwork within Culver Square shopping centre- install acrylic bees and butterflies suspended from catenary wire attached to the existing installed eyebolts. Approve Conditional 27/04/2023”

“210294 and 211768 Temporary painted marine-ply 'Castle' decoration placed over existing former fountain from third week of November 2020 until second week of January 2021 and from third week of November 2021 until second week of January 2022. Installation to be repeated in 2022 covering the same period. Approve Conditional 06/03/2020 and 26/08/2021”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme would preserve the conservation area, retain public seating, relocate the sculpture and provide wider public benefits.

“Whilst it is acknowledged that the removal of the fountain and associated artwork will result in the loss of features that are valued by some members of the public, these features are not designated heritage assets and the proposal would not result in harm to the significance of the Conservation Area. The artwork will be retained and relocated to an accessible public location.”

“DC0901MWeV11 16.12 Character of the area The proposed works would deliver substantial public benefits through the enhancement of Culver Square as a more attractive, functional and adaptable public space within Colchester city centre.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The heritage and archaeology consultees raised no objection, while the civic society questioned movable seating and some members’ concerns about losing the old design.

“Heritage Officer: No Objection (see main body of the report)”

“Colchester Civic Society: The Colchester Civic Society wish to comment about the design of the proposed new seating scheme. We are unconvinced by the proposal to make these units movable with the weight of soil and planting incorporated certainly if they are to be reminiscent of the Mercury Theatre units or the North Station Road units which are not designed to be moved except with difficulty.”

Officer report

Residents' views

Four objections cited lost seating, insufficient greenery, wasted money and damage to local artwork, while four supporters cited visitors, events and improved seating.

“Loss of seating • Waste of money should be used on cutting back tree’s from the cycle lanes and improving the atmosphere in the square. • Not enough greenery added, such as rain gardens, trees etc. • Loss of artwork as a whole, should be preserved including pillars base structure and canopy. • Will destroy a unique piece of Colchester art.”

“Will add value and attract visitors to the City • Will allow use as a flexible space for community events and public engagements. • Enhanced Seating provision within the square. • Improvement over existing fountain. • Removal of fountain with limited heritage impact outweighed by significant wider public benefit from creation of a more functional and flexible public space.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector opposed removing the fountain, the applicant supported a more flexible square, and a visiting councillor urged approval for economic and cultural reasons.

What members discussed

Members debated the artwork’s complete relocation, seating, antisocial behaviour, paving, storage, alternative sites, visitor footfall and the fountain’s long-term disuse.

“The configuration of the square, with the Fountain in the centre, prevented many types of community activities. The proposed changes would open it up for public events and potentially increase visitors, although some Members expressed concern that this could potentially impact footfall to shops. Concern was expressed that seating was being lost, when we should be looking to increase it.”

“Phillip Moreton, Planning Officer, responded that increased activities in the centre should attract visitors and therefore increase footfall into shops and cafes. The amount of seating was approximately the same as available with the Fountain in place, although as current seating was round it took up more space that the proposed seating. The planters, whilst not fixed, would have to be moved by machine and were therefore unlikely to encourage antisocial behaviour.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members voted eight to one for approval, with two abstentions, subject to a display timescale, paving details and an informative about the associated structure.

“In line with the Committee’s discussion, a proposal to accept the application as per the recommendation was seconded, subject to: • A condition requiring timescale/programme for display of the sculpture • Additional condition that details of paving materials should be submitted for approval • Informative to encourage that the sculpture is relocated along with the associated dome and pillars.”

Minutes