Two police parking spaces at Block Paved Area Of Tudor Square, Ware

What was proposed

The application sought two police vehicle parking spaces on a blocked paved pedestrian area, marked with studs and a sign.

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the change of use of land from a block paved pedestrian area to provide two police vehicle parking spaces. The parking spaces would be marked with road markings and a sign.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site forms part of Tudor Square in Ware town centre, within the shopping area, conservation area and an archaeological area.

“The application site covers an eastern portion of Tudor Square, to the north of West Street. The site is situated in Ware Town Centre and lies in the Primary Shopping Area. The site is also within the Plan Area for the adopted Ware Neighbourhood Plan and lies within an Area of Archaeological Significance. The site is within the Ware Conservation Area and surrounded by other Listed Buildings, which are found to the south of West Street and the east of the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier changes to the square

Earlier permissions covered shops, homes, public markets and enhancements to Tudor Square, including hard landscaping, trees, planting and seating.

“Enhancement of town square with hard landscaping, trees, planting and seating. Approved subject to conditions 04.01.2018”

Officer report

What consultees said

The conservation, highways and historic environment consultees raised no objection or identified no significant impact, while Historic England made no comment.

“HCC Historic Environment Unit: were consulted and concluded the development would be unlikely to have a significant impact on heritage assets of archaeological or architectural interest.”

“EHDC Conservation and Urban Design Team: were consulted and raised no objections to the scheme.”

Officer report

What people said

There were 18 objections and one supporting comment, covering alternative parking, markets, emissions, pedestrian safety, deliveries and dental practice access.

“There have been 18 objections and 1 comment of support. The main reasons for objections are summarised below:”

“Police vehicles can use other car parks • What would happen to the markets that use the square • Car emissions would ruin the environment • Tudor Square is a community hub and pedestrian zone, not for parking • Too dangerous to put cars in the middle of a busy pedestrian area • Elderly patients park outside the dental practice using blue badges, the police parking will impact their access to the practice • Police parking spaces will block access for deliveries to Prezzo.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

Members allowed Councillor David Andrews to briefly address the committee about the square’s historic use by police and other vehicles.

What members discussed

Members discussed the traffic order, police parking, the revised metal studs, the loss of market space and use during events.

“Members commented on the TRO and the police parking in Tudor Square. The Planning Officer confirmed that a permanent traffic regulation order (TRO) was being revised by Hertfordshire County Council, and this was proposed to include the two parking spaces within the TRO. He confirmed to the committee that the TRO would permit the police to park regardless of what events were taking place.”

“The Planning Officer set out the design had been amended to metal studs as a more low-level addition and a design that was more in keeping with the circular square and this would not impact on the relatively new paving in Tudor Square. Members were advised that there would be some loss of space in the square for the market and officers considered this to be acceptable in the context of the function of the market.”

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to grant planning permission subject to the report’s conditions was proposed, seconded and carried.

“Councillor Devonshire proposed and Councillor R Buckmaster seconded, a motion that application 3/25/0763/FUL be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report.”

“After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report.

“RESOLVED – that application 3/25/0763/FUL be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report.”

Minutes