Entrance canopy amendment at Sea Life Adventure Centre, Southend-on-Sea

“The application site itself (the red line application area) relates to a strip of land to the immediate west of an existing, southern-most, Sea Life Adventure Centre building. The wider site (blue line area) is occupied by the Sea Life Adventure Centre which is located on the southern side of Eastern Esplanade and is made up of two separate buildings connected via a link at ground floor. The roof form comprises a series of pitched roofs of varying height.”

“The site is not within a Conservation Area. It lies within Flood Zone 3 and is in close proximity to the Benfleet and Southend Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA), Site of International Nature Conservation (SINC) and Ramsar site (south). It is within the Central Seafront Policy Area of the Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP).”

“The changes have slightly increased the canopy’s visibility and prominence in the public realm but seen in context including in surrounding public views, the canopy has retained the flat roof form and open sides of the substantive approval, as well as the yellow PPC (Polypropylene Copolymer) metal construction. Overall, given the relatively limited extent of the changes undertaken, it is considered that they have little comparative effect…”

“It has been found that the structure does not harmfully impede pedestrian access or accessibility for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or buggies including double buggies. Even in inclement or hot weather, when queuing under the canopy may be at its peak, it is considered to be of satisfactory width to accommodate pedestrians and other footpath users passing by one another.”

“Environmental Health 5.3 No comments or objections.”

“Essex Fire and Rescue Service 5.7 No objections. Access for fire service is considered satisfactory subject to the fire service access for firefighting purposes being fully compliant with building regulations.”

“Public Consultation 5.1 Eighteen (18) neighbours were notified of the application by letter and a site notice was displayed. No letters of representation have been received.”

“- Design is not suitable for this busy seafront location - The design funnels queuing people awaiting entry into the SeaLife Centre into one half of the footway narrowing the available space - The design with the supporting posts creates accessibility concerns for users with visual and mobility issues as well as prams - Contrary to Supplementary Planning Guidance 3 which states there should be a minimum clearance of 2.0m for wheelchair bound users.”

“That PLANNING PERMISSION BE REFUSED for the following reason:”

“The canopy, which is designed for queuing beneath, by reason of its width, the number and position of supporting posts, and relationship to the public thoroughfare coupled with the presence of nearby street furniture, including street signage posts and bins results in a significant impediment to the free flow, convenience and accessibility for all users of the public footway including people with impaired mobility and visual impairments.”