15 angling platforms at River Nene South Bank North Of Skate Park, March

“The application site is a strip of land on the South Bank of the River Nene in March. The river is adjacent to West End Park, whereby the proposed angling platforms will be accessed from.”

“The proposed angling platforms will be made from recycled plastic and will be set along the southern riverbank. The platforms will be fixed using hand-driven timber posts.”

“The site is located within March Conservation Area, and there are a number of Listed Buildings located on West End, which are on the opposite bank of the river, directly to the north of the application site.”

“Middle Level Commissioners: Comment received. Please be advised that neither the Middle Level Commissioners nor the Internal Drainage Boards within our district are, in planning terms, statutory consultees and, therefore, do not actually have to provide a response to the planning authority and we receive no external funding to do so.”

“Development within, over, or under a Commissioners maintained watercourse, or within the Commissioners’ maintenance strip, requires the Commissioners’ prior written consent.”

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Would make fishing a more comfortable experience. Please see ‘Health and Wellbeing’ section of this report. Access for people with mobility issues is a problem and the proposal would improve this. Please see ‘Health and Wellbeing’ section of this report. Access fishing safely, particularly in winter. Please see ‘Health and Wellbeing’ section of this report. Useful to both young and old alike.”

“Objecting Comments Officer Response Loss of privacy – gardens and properties. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Fishermen opposite private garden. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Antisocial behaviour on the platforms. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Increase in litter. Fishing equipment left in river. Please see ‘Residential Amenity’ section of this report. Wildlife disturbance.”

“Members made comments, asked questions and received response as follows: • Councillor Mrs French stated that she fully supports this application. • Councillor Imafidon stated it is a similar application to the other one, with the only difference being that there is an objector to the other application, and he will be supporting this proposal.”

“Councillor Marks referred to consistency and feels members need to be consistent on this application. He stated that his concerns have not changed, although it looks to be a better location for the platforms but due to the limited number of photos members are unable to see what the condition is of the rest of the river or riverbanks. Councillor Marks expressed the view that for consistency this application should be deferred and that MLC be invited to attend.”

“Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be DEFERRED to obtain clarification on the maintenance of the river and banks and management of the scheme from MLC and the applicant, with MLC being invited to attend the meeting when it is brought back to committee.”