Eight mosaic wayfinder stones at Eight locations around the village, Stanford in the Vale

What was proposed

Eight wayfinder stones with site-specific hand-crafted mosaics would be placed on public spaces across the village.

“SITE Eight locations around the village Stanford in the Vale…”

“PROPOSAL Installation of eight wayfinder stones with inlays of hand-crafted mosaics on public spaces across the village of Stanford in the Vale.”

Officer report

The sites and wider project

Five stones would be in the conservation area, four within listed-building settings, and the eight formed part of a wider nineteen-stone project.

“The proposal sought planning permission for the installation of eight public art “wayfinder” stones, each featuring site-specific mosaic designs, around the village of Stanford in the Vale. Officers displayed the location plan showing all eight proposed sites. Five of the stones were located within the Stanford in the Vale Conservation Area, and four were situated within the setting of listed buildings.”

“Officers explained that these eight stones formed part of a wider artistic project comprising nineteen stones across the village. The project was intended to reflect the village’s heritage, contemporary identity and community. The designs had been developed by an appointed artist in collaboration with local community groups.”

Minutes

What officers recommended

Officers considered the scale, design and positions acceptable, with no material harm to heritage, residential amenity or highway safety.

“Officers are in agreement that due to the scale, height, material and position of the proposed stones, the proposal will preserve the special historic character of the conservation area and will have no adverse impact on the setting of the listed buildings. For the same reasons, those not within the conservation area or in the setting of listed buildings are not considered to harm the visual amenity of the locality.”

“PLANNING BALANCE AND CONCLUSION 9.1 The principle of providing public art in the village is supported. The scale, design and positioning of the proposed stones would preserve the special historic character and appearance of the conservation area and setting of listed buildings. Further, the proposed development would not materially harm residential amenity nor highway safety.”

Officer report

A further concern

An additional neighbour representation raised concerns about drainage linked to placing one stone, but officers kept their assessment and recommendation unchanged.

“The planning officer introduced the report. An additional neighbour representation had been received after publication of the committee report. The representation raised concerns about drainage associated with the placement of one of the stones. Officers confirmed that the matter had been reviewed and that their assessment and recommendation remained unchanged based on the information available.”

Minutes

Who spoke

A councillor and the agent spoke on behalf of the applicant in support of the application.

Members’ views

Members supported the project, welcoming its heritage, contemporary, cultural and visual benefits and the involvement of schools and community groups.

“Members expressed strong support for the proposal and praised the intention of the project to reflect both the heritage and contemporary character of Stanford in the Vale.”

“Members welcomed the involvement of local schools and community groups in the design process and commented favourably on the cultural and visual benefits the wayfinder stones would bring. It was also noted that public art played an important role in creating a sense of place, particularly in villages experiencing growth and change.”

Minutes