12/00218/FUL - Armscroft Park PDF 393 KB - Democracy ...

Landscaping
6.20 The works seek to improve the variety and quality of planting within the park.
Two relatively young trees would be removed, but there is significant new
planting proposed. The landscape officer’s request for a surfaced path
between the northernmost bridges has been satisfied.
6.21 The parkland subject to the works will still be useable, they will just add to the
contouring of the park. This may or may not be seen as adding interest but
fundamentally it will not result in it being un-useable by the public. There will
be no net loss in public open space. For the vast majority of the time the
lowered detention areas would be dry and could be used as with the rest of
the park. The periods when water is retained would likely be very sporadic
and then not for an extended period of time.
6.22 Policy LCA.1 seeks to protect such Landscape Conservation Areas –
preventing development that would detract from the qualities and character of
the area unless in exceptional circumstances. I consider that the proposals
are sensitively designed and landscaped and would at the very least
preserve, and likely significantly enhance, the landscape qualities and
character of the park.
Highways
6.23 There would be no movement of spoil away from the site. Some vehicles
movements will be necessary to get equipment, machinery and planting to the
park. This is not likely to cause any significant effect on the highway network.
6.24 There is no objection from the Highway Authority and I consider that the
proposals are acceptable in highways terms.
Residential amenity
6.25 The bund at the west of the park would involve, at maximum, a rise of the
ground level of 2.3 metres, but because it would be tailored into the existing
levels at the edge of the park, the bunds would not permit any harmful
overlooking to neighbouring residents. Even where the proposed contouring
projects further out into the park at a higher level, this would be more than 20
metres from the boundaries to houses. There is vegetation along the
boundary as well.
6.26 The bund at the south would be up to 2 metres in height, but there are no
residential properties nearby that would be affected. With the proposed
planting it should in fact contribute to screening the waste and aggregates
business to the south.
6.27 Clearly the works would create some local disruption to the condition of the
parkland and while the contractors are on site. This would be for a temporary
period while the improvement works are instated, and with a restriction on
times of work, and a suitable management plan I consider that the amenities
of local residents would be protected.
PT