Cliff stabilisation works at Lower Promenade, Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea

The site and its constraints

The site forms part of the promenade and includes paving and vegetated cliffs within the conservation area and beside Flood Zones 2 and 3.

“The application site is a parcel of land located to the south-east of Marine Parade West, within Clacton-on-Sea, and forms part of the existing promenade area. The land consists of a mixture of paving that form part of wider walking routes along the promenade, and vegetated cliff areas.”

“The site is heavily constrained, initially falling within the Settlement Development Boundary for Clacton-on-Sea within the adopted Local Plan and also adjacent to Flood Zones 2 and 3. In addition, it falls within the Clacton Seafront Conservation Area, within a Priority Area for Regeneration, is a Safeguarded Open Space, and is also within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Council’s Principal Planning Officer gave an oral presentation, and no public speaker addressed the committee.

Members’ questions

Members asked how drainage would improve, what promenade closures were planned and how contractor access and deliveries would operate.

“The time scale for the closure of the promenade is to be confirmed following appointment of the contractor, and in discussion with the contractor, based on working methods, but it is envisaged this will be in the order of five weeks, with a restricted promenade width possibly available at other times.”

“To confirm, the top part of the promenade will remain open, but the ramp will be closed down to the bottom for approximately five weeks, and lorries will use the lower promenade to gain access for deliveries? (Michael Pingram) Yes, on the drawing it states “promenade closed available to contractor to use to store materials and for welfare etc.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Sudra moved the recommendation, Councillor Alexander seconded it, and the committee agreed unanimously.

“After the debate, it was moved by Councillor Sudra, seconded by Councillor Alexander and unanimously:-”

Minutes

The decision

The committee authorised permission subject to the report’s conditions, with wording changes allowed where necessary and informative notes sent as appropriate.

“(a) the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.3), or varied as is necessary to ensure the wording is enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other respects, including appropriate updates, so long as the principle of the conditions as referenced is retained; and…”

“(b) informative notes be sent to the applicant, as may be deemed necessary, by the Head of Planning and Building Control.”

Minutes