Security lighting columns at Old Chase Farm, Danbury, Chelmsford

The site and surroundings

The site is a rural commercial storage area near two homes, a petrol station and a protected section of Slough Road.

“The application site is in a rural location situated between Danbury and Bicknacre. It is a large plot consisting of external storage and containers.”

“To the south-west of the site is Hyde Lane Petrol Station and to the west of the site are two residential properties named ‘Hyde Croft’ and ‘White Elm Cottage’. They include trees and hedging along their boundaries shared with the application site. To the south of the site is Slough Road, part of this is a Protected Lane (designated through the Development Plan).”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered caravan storage, improvements to storage facilities and a change from agricultural use to light industry and offices.

“08/01586/FUL – Approved 23 rd October 2008 – Improve existing caravan storage facilities by laying a series of surface mounted plastic road tiles. Refurbishment of existing asphalt access road and creation of two new hardstanding loading/unloading areas…”

“10/00639/FUL – Approved 25 th June 2010 – Change of use from agricultural use to b1 use to include light industry and office use…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways and the Environment Agency raised no objection, while the parish council sought shielding and controls on lighting operation.

“Essex County Council Highways - application is acceptable to Highway Authority • Public Health & Protection Services - reviewed complaints received and make condition recommendations • Environment Agency - no objection • Danbury Parish Council - considers the application conflicts with Chelmsford Council Policy DM29 and Danbury Neighbourhood Plan Policy DNP10, if minded to approve, have requested condition for details of the lighting shields • Ramblers Association - no…”

Officer report

Concerns from residents

Two objections raised concerns about unscreened glare, light pollution, rural surroundings, quality of life, reflections and wildlife.

“Two objections were received, comments relevant to this application summarised below:”

“Floodlights lack proper screening, resulting in excessive light spillage and glare • Impacts rural surroundings and quality of life • Lights reflect off nearby surfaces • Consider installing screens or shields, timed control • Impact on local wildlife • General light pollution…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from officers and the local ward member, who raised concerns about heritage, the protected lane, trees and reflected light.

The committee’s discussion

Members discussed changed plans, light spill, ecology, lawful night-time operation, nearby lighting and whether the evidence showed adverse harm.

“- They had visited the site at night time and the worst case scenario could be seen with the current 25 lights and that the changes via this retrospective application would reduce light spill and any impact further. - Other enforcement cases on the site could not be commented on during the consideration of this application. - The applicant had been cautious in reducing elements of the application and was taking positive steps to address concerns raised.”

“In response to questions from members of the Committee, officers confirmed that; - An informative could be added to inform the applicant to turn off the other 11 lights on the site that were not part of this application and the Committee agreed that this should be added if approved.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to the report’s conditions, green-sheet amendments and an additional informative.

“- An ecology assessment had not been carried out on the ten lights being considered, but a judgement had been made as to the light spill onto trees, which was deemed acceptable. RESOLVED that application 25/00218/FUL be approved, subject to the conditions detailed in the report and the amendments on the green sheet. Also, an informative to the applicant to switch off the other 11 lights on the site that were not part of this application (7.02pm to 7.51pm)”

Minutes