High ropes course at Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath

What was proposed

The application proposed a high ropes course with associated structures, renovated facilities, storage, tent covers and three course types.

“The proposal comprises the installation of a high ropes course and associated structures, together with the renovation of an existing non-historic park building to provide reception, staff facilities. Two additional store units and two tent covers are proposed to provide additional reception areas, event hosting spaces and storage.”

“The courses will be made up of Treetop Challenge (TTC), a Treetop Adventure (TTA) and Treetop Adventure + (TTA+) course.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site covers about 2.28 hectares of woodland, an existing building and an access route within a protected park containing heritage assets and wildlife designations.

“SITE AND SURROUNDINGS The application site extends across approximately 2.28 hectares of land within Danson Park. It comprises the woodland area located on the north-western side of the park, the existing amenity building and the central access route (Danson Park Road), which provides a connection to the main vehicular entrance from Danson Road located to the east of the park.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Consultees raised no objections overall, while seeking conditions for matters including parking monitoring, ecology, trees, lighting, landscaping and archaeology.

“No objections subject to conditions relating to the submission and approval of Monitoring and Mitigation Strategy and cycle parking details.”

“No objection subject to conditions to secure all ecological enhancements and mitigation measures including a sensitive lighting plan as recommended within the PEAR and the submission of a detailed Tree Protection Plan.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors and a local councillor spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in support.

Members considered the application

The committee discussed the application and considered the speakers’ observations, points and comments, together with the report and Addendum.

“The Committee discussed the application, considered all observations, points and comments made by the speakers and noted the report and the Addendum item for this application.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the application by six votes to five.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 6/5 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them, and as amended by the Addendum.”

Minutes