Construction of Steps to Allow for Access Between Oakley Road And

Open Decision Item

Development Control Committee 16th July 2013

13/00176/REG3 Construction of steps to allow for access between Oakley Road and Corby Railway Station and associated works for Corby Borough Council Property Services Background This application relates to an embankment between Corby Railway Station and the A427 Oakley Road. The embankment abuts the car park for the Station to the north, and the existing footpath on Oakley Road to the south. There are residential properties close by to the east on Oakley Road, whilst the railway itself is to the west of the site. The Station currently has a single point of pedestrian and road access, which is from Station Road to the north east of the application site. Although the Station opened in 2009, the area surrounding it has yet to be completed. Limited Section 106 funds are currently available and will fund this proposal, which is being brought to Committee as the applicant is Corby Borough Council. Description This application seeks consent for the construction of a new stepped access from the Station car park to Oakley Road to provide a secondary pedestrian access to and from the Railway Station. Site History • 07/00387/DPA - Construction of transport interchange including access road, station building, car parking, bus and taxi access, pedestrian and cycle facilities, public realm areas and associated landscaping and street furniture – Application Permitted. Policies & Guidance • Policy 13 of the North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy • ‘Saved’ Policy P1(E) of the Corby Borough Local Plan • National Planning Policy Framework Consultation • Highway Authority – Do not object to the application & make observations/recommendations relating to safety barriers. • CBC Environmental Health – Raise no objections • Network Rail – Do not object & welcome additional access in the vicinity of the station. • East Midlands Trains – • Corby Old Village Residents Association – • Crime Prevention Design Advisor – Does not object to the application. Was consulted at pre-application stage and all concerns have been addressed. • The Ramblers Association – • Rights of Way Officer – Advertisement/Representations 1. Site Notice – Posted on a column on Oakley Road on 06.06.13 2. Public Notice – Published in the local paper on 06.06.13.

034 1 3. Neighbour Notification – Tresham College and Even Nos 46-56 Oakley Road, Tesco Extra and the Territorial Army on St Marks Road and Tesco Filling Station on St James Road were notified. 4. Summary of Representations – None received. Report This application seeks consent for the erection of a new access from Oakley Road to Corby Railway Station on a disused and steep embankment. There is a 5 metre difference in levels between Oakley Road to the south, and the Station car park to the north. Corby Railway Station opened in 2009 and provides a regular service to London St Pancras, as well as limited northbound services to Melton Mowbray and Derby. The area surrounding the station remains unfinished, with areas of land adjacent to it undeveloped. Limited Section 106 funds are currently available and it is proposed to utilise these to provide a secondary, stepped access from the Station Car park down to the Oakley Road footpath. The steps would be approximately 1.65 metres in width and would be finished in concrete with galvanised steel railings and a ‘wheeling channel’, which will enable cyclists to wheel their cycle alongside them whilst using the steps. Existing lighting from the car park and from Oakley Road would ensure that the access is well lit. Up to two parking spaces in the Station car park would be lost at the point where the steps meet the car park boundary. Once at the Station boundary, the route to the station building would be through the car park and onto the existing pavement adjacent to the bus stop and platform. Provision of this new access is considered to be desirable, particularly for users of the nearby Tresham College, as it would shorten the route between it and the Station. It would also be beneficial to pedestrians and cyclists approaching from the residential areas to the west. As part of the background to the project, provision of a ramped access in addition to the steps was considered, but was unfortunately found to be cost prohibitive as the embankment would need to be completely, rather than partially reconstructed. The existing access from Station Road is flatter, wider and is considered to be more appropriate for wheelchair/mobility scooter users and those with push chairs. With regard to the remaining area of embankment, this is proposed to be landscaped, the details of which can be secured by condition. The principle of providing an additional access is considered to be acceptable and the appearance of the steps, taking into account that the embankment area will be landscaped, is also deemed to be acceptable. There have been no objections to the proposal from neighbours or consultees. The Highway Authority has made reference to the potential requirement for additional safety barriers on Oakley Road and a safety audit. These issues will be put as an informative note to the applicant, as they are matters which can be dealt with outside of the planning application process. Overall it is considered that the application is acceptable and the recommendation is to approve. Recommendation: Approve subject to conditions 1. The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with Section 91 (as amended) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. 2. A landscaping scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme, which may include hard and/or soft landscaping shall be implemented within a timetable to be agreed in writing by the 034 Local Planning Authority within 3 months of the commencement of the steps. Any trees and shrubs removed, dying, being severely damaged or becoming seriously diseased within five years of planting shall be replaced by trees and shrubs of similar size and species to those originally required to be planted or other species as may be agreed. Reason: In the interests of visual amenity, crime prevention and to accord with ‘Saved’ Policy P1 (E) of the Corby Borough Local Plan and Policy 13 of the North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy. Reasons for Approval: The proposal to construct a new stepped access between Oakley Road and Corby Railway Station, with associated landscaping is considered to represent an acceptable form of development. Subject to the conditions attached to this permission, the new access will improve connectivity between the Railway Station and the surrounding area, will be acceptable in terms of its appearance and will not prejudice highway safety. The development is therefore in accordance with Policy 13 of the North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy and ‘Saved’ Policy P1 (E) of the Corby Borough Local Plan. Statement of Applicant Involvement: Discussions took place with the applicant prior to submission of this application. The application raised no significant planning concerns which would have required further involvement of the applicant. Note to Applicant: Prior to works commencing, the applicant should engage with the Highway Authority to discuss the potential requirements for additional safety barriers on Oakley Road and/or a safety audit. Officer to Contact: Dean Wishart

034 13/00176/REG3 Corby Rail Station Access

Cott ingham Road

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