16 cycle stores and taller fence at Land 30M NE Of 45 Cattanach Drive Newtonmore

What was proposed

The application proposed 16 green plastic cycle stores on plots 33–48 and increasing a boundary fence from 1.5 to 1.8 metres on plots 27–32.

“This application seeks full planning permission to provide cycle stores to serve this central part of the development and the flatted units here. The stores are proposed to be of green plastic construction, each able to contain two cycles. They are of lean-to design, measuring 1.4 metres high at the rear and 1.3 metres high at the front. They are 0.9. metres wide by 1.83 metres long. Two of the cycle store areas will be enclosed by a 1.”

“It is also proposed to heighten a proposed boundary fence along the rear of plots 27 to 32 which lie on the eastern part of this development. The fence was originally proposed at 1.5 metres high, and it is now proposed to increase this to 1.8 metres. The fence is of standard vertically slatted timber screen fence design. This fence will back onto residential properties to the east off Station Road.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is within an ongoing housing development at Newtonmore’s southern edge, with homes nearby, fields to the south and the Coffin Road path along the wider site’s southern boundary.

“Site description, proposal and history Site description 1. The application site is located at the southern edge of Newtonmore within an ongoing housing development with a considerable number of houses now built. The Newtonmore to Perth B9150 road runs to the west and access is taken off this road with two spur roads off this access point, one leading south and one north to serve the wider housing development.”

“Residential properties lie to the east on Woodside Avenue, set within wooded gardens. To the north there are further residential properties on Station Road and to the west, on the opposite (west) side of the main Perth Road, there are further residential properties on St Columba Road. To the far south-west, also on the opposite side of the main road, there is a café and petrol station. The ongoing partly built housing lies to the south and northwest.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The wider housing development was originally approved in 2011, followed by consents for layout, roads, drainage, house types and parking changes.

“History 11. 07/230/CP – Planning consent was initially granted in 2011 for a housing development here of 81 houses and access roads. This consent was subject to numerous conditions and a section 75 legal agreement regarding developer obligations. Suspensive planning conditions were subsequently discharged, and a start was made on site. A number of non-material variations to this consent have been granted over the years.”

“2018/0242/DET – In 2018 planning consent was granted to amend the layout of plots 49-68 in the southernmost part of the site. This layout did not include the current application site and comprised the affordable housing provision for the wider scheme (20 houses).”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal policy-compliant because it supports sustainable transport, fits the site, protects amenity and trees, and raises no significant environmental concerns.

“Principle 25. NPF4 Policy 13: Sustainable transport supports new development where it is in line with the sustainable transport and investment hierarchies and, amongst other things, provides safe, secure and convenient cycle parking to meet the needs of users.”

“This application does not involve any additional loss of habitat as compared to the original applications. As noted earlier, there is no connectivity to watercourses and in particular the River Spey SAC from this development proposal and accordingly no adverse effects on designated sites. Development of this scale is not considered to have any particular impact on biodiversity, and the siting will ensure that trees at the boundary of the site are protected.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Transport officers had no objections, the community council made no comments, and no public representations were received.

“Highland Council Transport Planning Team has no objections, welcoming the provision of cycle storage in terms of supporting sustainable travel choices. The team note that the proposals do not introduce any changes to the established access arrangements, road layout or parking provision whereby they have no concerns in terms of road safety. Furthermore, the proposed boundary fencing does not impact on visibility splays serving the public road or neighbouring accesses.”

“Newtonmore and Vicinity Community Council has been consulted and have not provided any comments to date.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application to the committee.

Committee discussion

A member said secure, good-quality cycle storage could encourage everyday cycling by addressing theft and the cost of replacing bicycles.

“The Committee were invited to ask the Planning Officer for clarity, and the following points were raised: a) No intimations made.”

“The Committee were invited to discuss the report. The following point was raised: a) A member raised the importance of secure cycle storage if we genuinely want to encourage active travel. Bicycle theft remains a significant issue, often involving organised criminality, and cycles can be very expensive to replace and insure. Good quality, secure facilities can make a real difference in giving people the confidence to choose cycling as an everyday mode of transport.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“The Committee approved the application as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

Full planning permission was approved subject to conditions requiring timely commencement and construction in accordance with the approved plans.

“Recommendation That members of the committee support a recommendation to APPROVE full planning permission for the erection of cycle stores on plots 33-48 and increase boundary fence height on plots 27-32 at Land 30M NE of 45 Cattanach Drive, Newtonmore subject to the following conditions: Conditions 1. The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years beginning with the date on which the permission is granted.”

“The development hereby approved shall be constructed in accordance with the approved details and plans.”

Officer report