Modular public toilets at Toilets West Walk, Castle Hill, Seaton

“WardSeaton Reference 25/1820/FUL ApplicantMr [the applicant] (EDDC) LocationToilets West Walk Castle Hill Seaton Devon EX12 2QW ProposalProposal to demolish existing public toilets and replace with a new modular public toilet building. (Retrospective application for design changes to approved application 23/2561/FUL)”

“The application is retrospective in nature, the original toilet block that occupied the site having been replaced following the approval granted under a previous permission (23/2561/FUL). The ‘as built’ building on site however differs from that approved in a number of ways, including an increase in height and width, changes to external elevation and addition of security fencing, as such this application seeks permission to regularise these changes.”

“The site lies to the southwest of the town centre, to the north of the West Walk along the sea front and to the south of and at a lower level to Castle Hill. The boundary of the town’s conservation area lies to the north side of Castle Hill. The site is also within flood zone 3.”

“The building constructed on site has itself replaced an existing toilet block and is sited partially over the original building’s footprint. The changes that have taken place to the development previously approved, are set out above and include an increase in height and depth, which add to the overall mass of the building.”

“It is though recognised that the fencing was proposed to serve a practical purpose, to prevent/deter access to the roof of the building and the passageway to its rear. The application has therefore been amended so that it no longer includes the fencing and instead proposes heavy duty bird netting to the rear of the building to cover the level platform within the bank and bridge the gap from here to the building’s roof. Amended plans have been provided to show this.”

“A flood risk assessment accompanies the application, given its location within Flood Zones 2 and 3. The assessment indicates that the site is subject to tidal flood risk. As with the previous application and as a replacement facility it is considered that the development has to be in the location proposed so as to provide an essential facility for users of the beach and promenade.”

“The site lies adjacent to Castle Hill to the north and where the boundary of Seaton Conservation Area runs concurrent with this. Cliff Castle (grade II listed) also lies close by to the Northwest. The views along the coast are noted, in the conservation area appraisal as the main attraction of the town. The council’s’ conservation officer has considered the impact of the ‘as built’ development on the setting of this designated heritage asset.”

“Parish/Town Council Seaton Town Council have no objections to this application.”

“25/1820/FUL No objections but comments raised in relation to prevention of access to the building and rear of the site, provision of other security measures i.e. CCTV, and other measures to be considered within the building to help prevent crime.”

“Visual impact of fencing to the rear of the building; • Concerns over replacement building process including inadequate public engagement; dismissal of viable renovation alternatives and cost of replacement building • The height, scale, massing, material choice, and overall appearance of the building are inappropriate for such a sensitive seafront location. • The structure is dominating and incongruous and out of character with the surrounding area.”

“25/1820/FUL • Concern as to potential impact of the proposal on species associated with the Beer Quarry and Caves Special Area of Conservation • Comments raised in relation to the requirement for a Flood Warning Plan related to the use of the building.”

“RESOLVED: Approved in accordance with officer recommendation subject to amendment to Condition 3 to read as follows:”

“Within two months of the date of permission hereby granted, further details of the heavy duty netting, indicated on approved drawing numbers DR-A-3001 rev.C05 and DR-A- 2002 rev. C07 and to be used to deter access to the rear/roof of the building, shall have been submitted to the Local Planning Authority for their approval in writing.”