Bus and cycle link road at Site Bounded By Whorlton Hall And Cottages To The North, Westerhope Golf Course To The East And Stamfordham Road And

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for a bus-only road, shared cycle and footpath, wildlife tunnel, crossings and new planting.

“The reserved matters application is providing details of the route which was originally granted consent through the outline planning approval for East Middle Callerton (2015/0897/01/DET), a hybrid planning application which was determined on the 11 November 2016. The original planning permission has since been varied, which is why the application for reserved matters has been submitted pursuant to 2015/0897/26/RVC.”

“The application proposes the development of a single carriageway asphalt road, 3.7m wide, with two passing places, recognising that it will be restricted to bus use. The road flares to two lanes at each end to link to existing roads within the housing developments. It has been demonstrated that the road and passing places can be safely used when two buses are travelling in opposite directions.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The route lies between two housing developments, crossing cleared ground and mixed woodland on a raised mound of colliery spoil.

“The linear site is located between the East and West Middle Callerton housing developments, which were allocated for housing under policy NN1b in the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan (CSUCP). The eastern portion of the site is within the north west of the East Middle Callerton development and is currently an area of cleared ground adjacent to the housing development, on which vegetation has naturally reestablished.”

“Residential development is located to the east, west, and partially to the south, with woodland also to the south. To the north is a drainage basin serving the East Middle Callerton site, and a narrow section woodland, with Whorlton Lane beyond.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The route was included in earlier outline permissions, conditions and a legal agreement requiring a connection between the two developments.

“Scheme consented the East Middle Callerton development, including the proposed route. Condition 67 of the consent required that – ‘Prior to the occupation of the 250th dwelling, a scheme showing a suitable route through the site linking into the proposed bus/cycle/pedestrian link between West Middle Callerton and East Middle Callerton should be provided including full engineering, drainage, lighting and construction details, for approval in writing by the Local Planning…”

“The S106 legal agreement associated with the consent requires the delivery of a pedestrian/cycle/bus link between the site and the West Middle Callerton site, following approval of necessary consents. The application relates to this obligation.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the route would improve public transport and active travel, while conditions would address highways, ecology, drainage and stability.

“The route will provide for a viable looped bus service to serve both the East and West Middle Callerton developments, with the latter currently not being served within the development by public transport. The shared pedestrian cycle route will also provide a more direct link between the developments and connection to services on each (local shops and a planned primary school). The route will inherently result in both developments being more sustainable.”

“Time scale – implemented within 3 years; Approved plans adherence; Landscape delivery and maintenance; Approval of ANPR camera positioning, design, ongoing maintenance and delivery of the road to operate a bus only route; Obtain necessary highways legal consents for road to operate as a bus only route; Approval of design of mine grouting program and implementation; 7.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of local residents objected, and a representative of the applicant supported the route and its transport and ecological benefits.

Committee discussion

Members received clarification about vehicle restrictions, enforcement, wildlife surveys, lighting, traffic levels, tree removal and slope stability.

“Condition 4 required the provision of automatic number plate recognition cameras to prevent use of the road by private motor vehicles, including taxis, and there would be no out of hours use permitted. There would be a Traffic Regulation Order made to enforce this. • An ecological assessment had been undertaken which had identified badgers, hedgehogs and bats in the surrounding area.”

“The mitigation programme included in the plans did not specify the number of trees to be planted in replacement for those removed, and the removal of the trees would irretrievably change the landscape. There were also concerns about ground stability.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Pearson moved the recommendation, Councillor Gallagher seconded it, and the committee voted unanimously.

“Councillor Pearson moved the recommendations as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Gallagher. It was unanimously:”

“RESOLVED – That Reserved matters approval for application reference 2015/0897/78/RES was granted, subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes