Five-space surface car park at Funtley Pond, Funtley, Fareham

What was proposed

The application sought a private grass-reinforced surface car park with four spaces, one disabled space, a gate and a dropped kerb.

“Description of Proposal 3.1. Permission is sought for a private surface car park (approximately 190sqm – measuring 13m x 13m + access) providing four car parking spaces and one disabled space.”

“The original submission proposed space for eight vehicles and one disabled parking space on the same plot, but this was amended after analysis highlighting the spaces would not comply with parking or highway standards.”

Officer report

The site

Funtley Pond and surrounding land are privately managed but publicly accessible open space outside the designated urban settlement area.

“Site Description 2.1. The application site comprises Funtley Pond also known as Funtley Lake and surrounding land, a designated area of publicly accessible open space, which is privately owned and managed. The site is located outside of the designated urban settlement area.”

“Funtley Pond and its surrounding land is owned by Portsmouth and District Angling Society and is used by its members for angling whilst also being publicly accessible for the enjoyment of local residents. A group of club volunteers maintains the waters and the land.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

A storage container was approved in 2012, while a private 12-space car park was refused in 1995.

“P/12/0185/FP Proposed siting of storage container…”

“P/94/0615/FP REFUSE Construction of private car park (12 spaces) 15/12/1995 (Committee)”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority sought accurate plans and visibility information, while ecology officers objected because no qualified ecological survey or biodiversity information was provided.

“Local Highway Authority – Hampshire County Council 7.1. Objection – supplementary information addresses some of earlier comments. Require an accurate/measurable plan before confident proposal complies and does not encroach on Footpath 513a and suitable visibility sight/access lines are achievable.”

“Senior Ecology – Hampshire County Council 7.2. Objection – no qualified ecological survey information provided, or details on BNG.”

Officer report

Public comments

Objectors raised parking, residential, noise, environmental and security concerns, while supporters cited improved access, safety and reduced street parking pressure.

“Objections • Parking and Highways - Narrow access roads - Limited turning space - Vehicles blocking the road while opening/closing the gate. - Remove lay-by spaces - worsening parking for residents and visitors. - Large vans/non-residents already contribute to congestion. - Car park may overflow into the street.”

“Supporting • Minimal Visual/residential Impact - Properties already overlook parked cars - Offered screening measures such as planting shrubs. • Improved Parking provision – gain more than remove, benefits community • Reduce stress of on-street parking…”

Officer report

Recommended refusal

Officers recommended refusal because the application lacked sufficient ecological, highway and accurate plan information to assess the proposal fully.

“However, the applicant has failed to provide sufficient evidence in terms of policy justification, accurate plans, ecological information and highway information, meaning that the impact of the proposed small surface car park cannot be fully assessed, failing to comply with Policies NE1, TIN1 and TIN2 of the Fareham Local Plan, and the application is therefore recommended for refusal.”

“The proposal fails to accord with Policies NE1, TIN1 and TIN2 of the adopted Fareham Local Plan 2037 and therefore Officers recommend that planning permission should therefore be refused.”

Officer report

Deputations were received

The committee received the deputations referred to earlier in the meeting.

The committee vote

The committee voted nine in favour and none against a proposal to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“(i) GRANT planning permission, subject to: -”

“Was voted on and CARRIED. (Voting: 9 in favour; 0 against)”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions, with authority delegated to the Head of Planning to modify, delete or add conditions.

“(ii) DELEGATE authority to the Head of Planning to: -”

Minutes