Earth bund and acoustic fence at Land adjacent to A6(T) Derby Spur Road, Boulton Moor, Derby

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to retain an earth bund and acoustic fence, with enhanced landscaping beside the A6.

“The application seeks retrospective planning approval for the retention of an earth bund and acoustic fence and enhanced landscaping on land adjacent to A6(T) Derby Spur Road, Boulton Moor, Derby.”

“Landscaping is proposed along the bund to create a buffer between residents and the fence, helping to mitigate potential vandalism while providing a visual green screen.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site lies between the A6 Derby Spur Road and Boulton Moor housing, with Green Belt land to the north, east and south.

“The application site lies to the south-east of Derby, positioned between the A6 (T) Derby Spur Road and the existing residential development at Boulton Moor. Its eastern boundary runs parallel with the A6, extending for approximately 260 metres from a mature hedgerow at the southern edge.”

“To the west, the site adjoins established two-storey suburban housing, largely dating from the 1970s–1990s. Land to the north, east and south falls within the Derby Green Belt. Topography in these directions remains generally level, although it rises gradually to the south and west towards the local ridgelines.”

Officer report

Earlier decisions and history

Earlier permissions provided for Boulton Moor and a noise structure, while a similar bund and fence application was refused in 2023 for visual intrusion.

“In 2009, outline planning permission was granted for 1,058 dwellings and ancillary uses at Boulton Moor (LPA ref. 9/2005/0611). The submission followed extensive pre-application engagement with the Council and other local authority representatives. That outline permission envisaged provision of a noise attenuation structure alongside the A6(T).”

“An originally proposed 4.5m height earth bund was revised due to land ownership issues with National Highways and concerns that its width could pose a risk to the A6(T). Advice from a noise consultant confirmed that a combination of a narrower bund and an acoustic fence would achieve the required noise reduction while maintaining a safe and appropriate bund width.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the fence necessary for noise mitigation, with landscaping expected to soften its appearance because a larger bund was not feasible.

“The noise attenuation feature that is the subject of this application has a specific job to do in attenuating traffic noise from the A6 to new residential properties lying to the west. The feature has been built as a sloped bund, topped by an acoustic fence, to provide the necessary overall height in combination. The bund and fencing as built, will suitably and sufficiently attenuate traffic noise from the A6 as required.”

“Consideration has been given to the alternative provision of a bund, without an acoustic fence, as this would provide a more naturalistic feature and appearance from the A6 and from within the residential area. It is recognised that as built, and with immature landscaping, the acoustic fence on top of the bund has a rather stark and engineered appearance.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Environmental Health, conservation, wildlife, National Highways and County Highways raised no objections, subject to the stated technical considerations.

“28/03/2024: Environmental Health confirm that the proposals are acceptable in terms of the level of acoustic mitigation which would be provided to local noise sensitive receptors.”

“25/03/2024: National Highways provides no objections as the bund has been erected entirely within the developer’s land; toe drains have been installed to prevent water discharge onto the SRN; The Section 278 legal agreement has been signed off by National Highways; and full geotechnical certification has been signed off by National Highways.”

Officer report

Public concerns

Four members of the public objected over appearance, graffiti, maintenance, noise protection, open views and insufficient planting.

“There have been objections raised from four members of the public which can be summarised as follows: a) Proposal is an eyesore b) Perfect canvas for graffiti and vandalism c) Developers haven’t complied with conditions or the envisaged landscaping d) Is not sufficient as a noise barrier e) The estate has been planned with open, green views which the fence does not reflect f) Insufficient planting.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent addressed the committee, followed by the local ward member, Councillor D Corbin.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved planning permission under the report’s recommendations, adding a condition to improve landscaping and avoid proposed invasive species.

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be approved as per the recommendations in the report of the Executive Director – Place and Prosperity, subject to an additional condition to improve the landscaping proposed and ensure invasive species not proposed.”

Minutes