AGENDA ITEM NO.

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PANEL 26 JULY 2004

Case No: 0401622C1884 (CROWN DEVELOPMENT)

Proposal: REPLACEMENT SECURITY FENCE

Location: RAF , RAMSEY ROAD, BURY

Applicant: DEFENCE ESTATES - RAF ALCONBURY

Grid Ref: 527275 283617

Date of Registration: 20.05.2004

Parish: BURY

RECOMMENDATION - REFUSE

1. DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND APPLICATION

1.1 This site is located close to the former RAF base at Upwood, a short distance from the village. It consists of a number of detached dwellings, which are occupied by USAF personnel. The estate has a relatively low density, with a considerable amount of space around and between the buildings. Apart from the former base and the present medical centre, there are other dwellings, and open space in the vicinity.

1.2 The proposal is to replace the existing security fence, and to erect a new length of fencing along the open frontage of the site adjacent to Tunkers Lane.

2. NATIONAL GUIDANCE

2.1 PPG1 - 'General Policy and Principles' (1997) contains advice on the Plan led system.

3. PLANNING POLICIES

3.1 There are no specific policies relating to this type of development.

4. PLANNING HISTORY

4.1 02/13065/C1884 - erection of security fence - the LPA objected to this proposal, on the 10th January 2003 on the grounds of its adverse impact on the visual amenities of the area.

5. CONSULTATIONS

5.1 Bury Parish Council - REFUSE (copy attached).

6. REPRESENTATIONS

6.1 ONE letter of OBJECTION has been received from a neighbour. The writer is concerned that the fence will have an adverse impact on the open character of the estate, and that it will give it a zoo-like appearance. Housing at RAF Wyton is open, and there is no reason why this estate should not be similar. In addition, access for emergency vehicles may be made more difficult.

7. SUMMARY OF ISSUES

7.1 The issues in this case have not changed since the previous application was considered, although the matter has been the subject of lengthy discussions with officers. It is clear from these discussions that the USAF takes the threat of terrorist action against its properties very seriously and is seeking to improve the security of this estate. This will involve replacing the existing security fence with a more substantial structure, and closing off the vulnerable open aspect at the front of the site. However, they have recognised the concerns of the Local Planning Authority, and have tried to compromise with a different design of fence, in a different location. Although the height of the fence remains as before, it is now of a lighter-weight design, and has been moved back towards the houses.

7.2 Although there must still be concerns about the visual impact of the new fence on the appearance and characteristics of the area, notably on the Tunkers Lane frontage, the particular circumstances of this development, and the potential threats, cannot be ignored. With the changes now made to the design and location of the fence, the original objections, at least in part, have been overcome, and it is, therefore, considered that the Local Planning Authority can now support the proposal.

8. RECOMMENDATION – NO OBJECTIONS RAISED.

Background Papers: Planning Application File Reference: Huntingdonshire Local Plan Huntingdonshire Local Plan Alteration & Peterborough Structure Plan

CONTACT OFFICER - enquiries about this Report to Mr D Hincks, Development Control Officer 01480 388406.

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