Temporary parking compound at Land At Ashton Road, Lancaster

The site and its surroundings

The site is part of an agricultural field, with nearby homes and a proposed access, and lies wholly within the lowest flood-risk zone.

“The site lies wholly within Flood Zone 1, where there is less than a 0.1% annual probability of fluvial or tidal flooding. As such, the proposal is located within the area of lowest flood risk, and the proposed use is considered compatible with national flood risk policy.”

“The introduction of hardstanding has the potential to marginally increase surface water run-off compared with the existing agricultural use. The development relates to a relatively small area (approximately 0.42 acres) within a much larger agricultural field, is temporary in nature, and incorporates drainage mitigation through the proposed land drain.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the temporary, controlled parking facility would provide practical construction benefits and its impacts could be managed by conditions.

“The proposal seeks temporary permission for a contractor parking compound associated with the construction of the residential development proposed under Item A5 of this agenda. It would provide a managed off-street parking area for construction operatives, restricted to cars and transit vans only, with no material storage, welfare facilities, plant, generators, skips or wider construction compound activity.”

“Overall, and subject to a positive decision on Item A5 of this agenda, the scheme is acceptable on balance. While there would be limited temporary harm to landscape character, amenity, biodiversity and heritage setting, this would be outweighed by the benefits of providing a managed contractor parking facility during the construction period. The proposal would be temporary, ancillary to the associated development, and capable of being fully reversed.”

Officer report

Highways, drainage and ecology

The highway authority sought construction controls, while drainage and ecology impacts were considered acceptable subject to conditions and restoration.

“The Local Highway Authority requests further information relating to a Construction Management Plan/Construction Method Statement prior to development, covering emergency contact details, parking of site operatives and visitors, loading/unloading, internal turning, swept path analysis, protection of pedestrians and cyclists, wheel washing, mud and debris control, dust control, waste management, and construction/delivery hours.”

“Conclusion on transport matters Overall, subject to the recommended conditions, the proposal is considered acceptable in highway safety, traffic impact, sustainable travel and parking terms.”

Officer report

Concerns about the use

Representations raised concerns about a wider construction compound, residential disturbance, contamination, drainage and restoration.

“Representations received raise concerns that the site could operate as a broader construction compound, including the storage of tools, equipment and materials. However, the proposal as submitted is materially different from an unrestricted construction compound. The application specifies that the site would be used solely for the parking of cars and transit vans associated with site operatives and contractors.”

“Representations have also raised concerns regarding potential land contamination associated with historic waste disposal pits and alleged contamination on nearby land. The application site is currently in agricultural use, and the proposal includes ground disturbance associated with the formation and subsequent removal of hardstanding.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Parish Council spoke against the application, and Asteer Planning spoke in favour.

The committee vote

Thirteen councillors voted for approval, with none against and no abstentions.

“It was proposed by Councillor Robert Redfern and seconded by Councillor John Hanson:”

“Upon being put to the vote, 13 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

Minutes

What the committee decided

The committee approved the application subject to conditions controlling the temporary use, access, drainage, restoration, storage, vehicles and related matters.

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

“Temporary Permission. 2. Approved Plans. 3. Construction Management Plan. 4. Archaeological WSI. 5. Restoration Scheme. 6. Surface Water Drainage. 7. Access Construction Details. 8. 5m Entrance Hardstanding.”

Minutes