House Martin tower at Various Public Open Spaces End Hill Way Malvern

What was proposed

The application proposed a 5.5-metre painted tower in a public open space to provide nesting provision for House Martins.

“The application site is a public open space sited to the north of End Hill Way within a predominantly residential area in the Malvern Vale. The public space is intersected with the Whippets Brook Local Wildlife Site (LWS) which runs to the north of the proposal site. The site contains mown amenity grassland, trees and shrubs, an attenuation pond and swales which were created in association with the neighbouring housing development.”

“The application seeks permission for a 5.5 metre tower for House Martins sited within the centre of the site, east of a balancing pond. The tower would be completed in painted ”Marine” dark grey/green plywood. The proposal site would not fall into the areas designated as “Local Green Space” or “Neighbourhood Open Space” as outlined within the Malvern Town Neighbourhood Plan (August 2019).”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the tower acceptable because it would enhance ecology and would not harm the wildlife site, highway network or residential amenity.

“The proposal site would fall within the development boundary as defined by Policy SWDP 2 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan. The proposal would be within Malvern Town, considered a “Urban Area- Main Town” and is situated second within the settlement hierarchy as depicted within Table 2 of the SWDP. As such, the proposal site would be within a sustainable location.”

“Whilst no specific policy within the SWDP permits the development sought within this application, the proposal offers an improvement to the ecology of the area, to support Housemartins, which have faced a deterioration in population and have been placed on the UK Conservation Red List in 2020. In this aspect, the proposal meets the aims of Policy SWDP 22. Overall, the principle of the development is acceptable in that it would be sited within a sustainable location.”

Officer report

Design and environmental effects

Its materials, colour, vegetation and location were considered to reduce visual impact, while construction safeguards would protect trees, wildlife and drainage.

“The green space is set between residential development as well as business park and viewable from Hill End Way. In considering the nature of the proposal, the development would be of a form and appearance which would reflect its function. Whilst it would introduce an new feature within this green space, its design detailing, colour and materials are considered to mitigate its visual impact.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections and supported safeguards for drainage, trees and biodiversity, including conditions based on submitted plans and ecological measures.

“The Drainage Engineers confirm that the surface water drainage details have been noted.”

“The Biodiversity Officer suggests that if permission is granted, a condition should be imposed to ensure the proposals are carried out in accordance with the measures set out in the submitted “House Martin Tower Ecological Impact Assessment” document.”

Officer report

Public representations

No neighbourhood, group or organisation made representations about the application.

“No representations have been made by any neighbourhood consultation, nor have any groups or organisations made representations under this planning application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward member and four committee councillors spoke, while no parish representative, objector or supporter addressed the committee.

The committee vote

A motion to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation received twelve votes in favour, none against and no abstentions.

“A motion to APPROVE planning permission, in line with officer recommendation, was proposed by Councillor J Raine, seconded by Councillor P Bennett, and voted upon.”

“Voting: For 12, Against 0, Abstentions 0.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions covering timing, approved documents, biodiversity, noise management and tree protection.

“That the Director of Planning & Infrastructure be authorised to APPROVE the application and GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions:”

“Unless where required or allowed by other conditions attached to this permission/consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the information (including details on the proposed materials) provided on the application form and the following plans/drawings/documents – PB001.”

Minutes