Planning – Application Comments

Consultation Date: Mon 10 Jun 2024

Comment Date: Wed 21 Aug 2024

I refer to the request for further comment on the above-mentioned application following the submission of amended details.

The LHA were previously unable to support the proposals until such a time that further information had been provided relating to the restriction of construction movements during peak times on the network, on-site turning and the preservation of the turning head during the demolition period.

The applicant has updated the Traffic Management Plan which now states that no construction movements will take place between 07.00-09.30 and 16.00-18.30 which is in line with the comments previously provided by the LHA. In addition, a note has also been provided in relation to the closure of Chapel Street stating that the road will remain open during between the 7th and 15th of September to preserve its use for student drop off purposes.

In addition, the applicant has updated the site plan which now shows the site hoarding at the back of the turning head which will preserve its use during the demolition period for other nearby uses.

These updates are considered acceptable to the LHA.

However, the submitted tracking plans show conflict between the vehicles and site hoarding when conducting turning movements. Furthermore, the tracking plans also show conflict between the vehicles and the lamp column to the south of the site access. As such, it is considered necessary for the lamp column to be removed during the demolition period then reinstated after the works are complete. The applicant will need to contact Street Services to obtain the necessary approvals to remove/reinstate the lamp column.

It is also noted from the tracking plans that there will be a level of vehicle override of footways to necessitate turning movements. The applicant will need to work in conjunction with Street Services to ensure that any damage caused to the public highway by construction movements during the works period is rectified to an acceptable standard once works are complete.

The LHA will require confirmation over how construction movements will be managed, due to the conflict with the site hoarding as detailed on the submitted tracking plans, in order for a recommendation of approval to be provided.


The proposed development has been considered in accordance with the Councils current Development Plan Policies and having regard for the National Planning Policy Framework.



Abbie Perry

Transport Planning Officer
Officer authorised to sign on behalf of the
Director for Strategic Planning & Infrastructure

20/08/2024

Updated comment 21/08/24

Following confirmation that the Heras fencing can be removed to allow for deliveries to take place, the LHA are now content to withdraw the previous recommendation of refusal.

It should continue to be noted that the applicant will need to apply for all relevant permits from Network Management/Street Services prior to the commencement of works on-site. This includes the TTRO to close Chapel Street and the removal of the lighting column to the south of the site access. Furthermore, any damage to the public highway that may take place during the demolition will need to be rectified at cost to the applicant after works are complete.

The demolition works should be carried out in accordance with the revised Traffic Management Plan.

Comment Date: Tue 25 Jun 2024

The proposals seek to demolish the former museum annexe building and adjoining social club and store at the above-mentioned site.

The applicant has submitted a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which includes details over the relating to the programme of demolition works and details of vehicle movements including; the number, type and size of vehicles, operation hours, routes being used by demolition vehicles and contractor parking arrangements.

The majority of the information included within the TMP is considered acceptable however there are some revisions that would need to be made in order for the LHA to be able to support the application.

All construction movements would be required to travel along traffic sensitive routes which have strict restrictions in place with regard to construction activities. Whilst it would be unreasonable to enforce the restrictions placed on these routes to the site in question, Network Management have stated that no construction movements should take place during peak hours on the network. As such, the document should be updated to state that no deliveries/construction movements shall take place between the hours of 07.00-9.30 and 16.00-18.30. It should be noted that these restrictions would not relate to the arrival/departure of contractors on site.

With regard to the TTRO required to prohibit vehicle movements to the rear of the site along Chapel Street, Network Management have stated that the TTRO application will require 12 weeks' notice and that the road would need to remain open during student arrivals as this is a drop off zone. Therefore, the road could not be closed from the 7th to 15th of September.

In addition, the TMP states that HGVs will be reversed into the site under banksman control off Tavistock Place. Given the size of the vehicles needing to access the site, the LHA would request that tracking plans are provided to demonstrate that HGVs will be able to turn on site and enter/exit onto Gibbon Lane in a forward gear.

Furthermore, the Proposed Plan submitted to support the proposals details the hoarding to be erected around the site during the works and it is noted that the hoarding might be placed at the back of the public footway restricting access to the turning head. There is a note on the drawing which states there might be the option to move the hoarding to the back of the turning head but this is yet to be confirmed.

The LHA would object in-principle to the erection of hoarding to the back of the footway as this would remove the only provision available for vehicles to turn within Tavistock Place. As the road is to remain open during the works, it is imperative that sufficient space is retained to allow vehicles servicing the other units within the area to turn and without the use of this turning head, this would not be possible. Therefore, an updated plan detailing the erection of hoarding to the back of this turning head only should be provided.

In conclusion, until such a time that the submitted details have been updated in line with the above comments, the LHA are unable to support this application.


The proposed development has been considered in accordance with the Councils current Development Plan Policies and having regard for the National Planning Policy Framework.



Abbie Perry

Transport Planning Officer
Officer authorised to sign on behalf of the
Director for Strategic Planning & Infrastructure