Digital heritage binoculars at Digital Ipswich Christchurch Park, Ipswich

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission subject to a condition requiring the development to follow the submitted drawings.

“Recommendation Subject to no material planning objections being raised from The Gardens Trust, grant planning permission subject to the following condition (briefly):- 1. Development to be in accordance with submitted drawings. The application is referred to the Planning and Development Committee as the Council is the applicant, in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992.”

Officer report

Heritage and other effects

Officers considered the limited size and siting would not affect nearby listed buildings, the park, trees, biodiversity, or other relevant matters.

“The NPPF states when considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation (and the more important the asset, the greater the weight should be) (paragraph 212). The proposal would not affect the setting of nearby listed buildings given its limited size and siting.”

“Biodiversity and Tree Impact 5.11. With regard to Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain, the development is subject to the de minimis exemption as the proposal does not affect any Priority Habitat and affects less than 25m2 onsite habitat or 5 linear metres of any other habitat. The proposal would have negligible impact in this regard. There are trees in proximity.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections, while comments concerned access, colour, archaeology and a possible management plan.

“3.Consultations 3.1Public and statutory consultation was undertaken between 7th May 2025 and 28th May 2025. Given its location no properties were notified of the application although the application was subject to press notification and a site notice. The application was advertised on the IBC website in accordance with the Ipswich Statement of Community Involvement 2024.”

“IBC Parks and Cemeteries – No objection. Comment that access likely across grass as opposed to pathway and a softer colour may be preferable i.e. purple as opposed to lilac. SCC Archaeology – No objection. Comment that there are no significant impact on known archaeological sites or areas with archaeological potential, in this instance Officers have no objections to the development and do not believe any archaeological mitigation is required.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Management Team Leader presented the report using drawings and photographs and highlighted the Gardens Trust consultation deadline.

Members’ discussion

Councillor Downes asked whether the unit would be near temporary toilets, and officers said other open land could be used for them if needed.

“Councillor Downes asked if the binoculars would be situated close to the temporary toilets that were installed for the ‘Theatre on the Lawn’ events at Christchurch Park.”

“The Development Management Team Leader confirmed that there were other areas of open land available to site the temporary toilets if necessary.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee resolved to grant permission, subject to no material objection from The Gardens Trust and compliance with the submitted drawings.

“Subject to no material planning objections being raised from The Gardens Trust, grant planning permission subject to the following condition (briefly):”

“Development to be in accordance with submitted drawings.”

Minutes