Celebration beacon at Play Area Adjacent To Portland Place, Sutton cum Lound

What was proposed

The application proposed a 6.25-metre wrought-iron celebration beacon for community celebrations and gatherings on green space beside Portland Place.

“The application seeks planning permission for the installation of a celebratory beacon within the green space adjacent to Portland Place.”

“The beacon is intended to be used to mark various community celebrations and serve as a focal point for gatherings.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The triangular open grassed site lies within Sutton Cum Lound, beside a bus and coach station and near listed and historic assets.

“The application site comprises a triangular-shaped parcel of open green space situated within the settlement boundary of Sutton Cum Lound. The site is prominently located at the junction of Town Street and Portland Place, with Town Street forming the longer boundary and accommodating majority of vehicular traffic.”

“The site is clearly visible within the setting of 37 Town Street, The Gate Inn and a historic wall on Town Street (non-designated heritage assets), the grade II listed Gate…”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no recent relevant planning history for the site.

“There is no recent relevant planning history.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered principle, design, visual and heritage effects, residential amenity, biodiversity, highway safety and other matters.

“This report will consider the harms and benefits of the proposal, the main issues for consideration are:”

“Principle of development • Design, visual amenity, and heritage impact • Impact on residential amenity • Ecology and biodiversity net gain • Impact on highway safety • Other Matters…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, environmental health and conservation raised no objections, while the parish council supported the application.

“NCC Highways No objection to the application. However informative note shared with the applicant. Environmental Health No comments in regard to lighting, noise or ventilation impacts. Conservation No objection to the application. Parish Council Support the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative spoke in support, while an objector and the ward member spoke against the application.

Committee debate

Members asked material and non-material questions, which were answered by the Head of Planning and Place before the Chair summarised the debate.

“Members asked several material and non-material questions during the debate. These questions and comments were addressed by the Head of Planning and Place.”

“In conclusion, the Chair summarised the debate.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions, following the recommendation to do so.

“Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions.”

“Committee Decision Resolved that: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions.”

Minutes

Conditions and permissions

Permission was subject to time, approved-plan and highway licensing requirements, with no biodiversity gain plan required under the stated exemption.

“Based on the information available this permission is considered to be one which will not require the approval of a biodiversity gain plan before development is begun because one or more of the statutory exemptions or transitional arrangements is/are considered to apply.”

“The list of statutory exemptions can be viewed at The Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024 and further information found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biodiversity-net-gain-exempt-developments…”

Officer report