development control board agenda - Borough Council of King's ...

that rainwater runoff from the roofs will be piped to a large capacity underground storage
tank for rainwater harvesting, excess rainwater will discharge into the balancing pond. This
will then be slowly released into the ditch system. It is stated that the rainwater system will
not cause any flooding to adjacent properties and will help to relieve any surface water
ponding that occurs. It is noted that there is an existing problem with saturated
ground/surface water ponding that occurs. A soil mound is proposed running between 7 and
9 metres from the eastern boundary; this mound will have irrigation pipes running through to
prevent storm water build up on the eastern side. To alleviate concerns of the residents a
French Drain will be located approximately 1.5 metres from the eastern boundary. This will
fall to the south east where it will discharge into the existing ditch. The effect of the drain will
be to lower the water table alleviating surface water ponding.
PLANNING HISTORY
07/02568/OM Construction of new Norfolk Hospice Tapping House with associated facilities
& car parking. Approved 14/04/08
RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION
Parish Council: OBJECTION the building is much larger than any other in Hillington, and is
therefore inappropriate in scale for a small village. The materials proposed and the general
design, being very modern and industrial in nature, are not in harmony with either village
architecture or the surrounding houses.
Concern is expressed in relation to the Drainage Engineer's assertions that the existing
system of ditches around the site are adequate to cope with additional surface and foul
water which will be generated by the Hospice, especially because the ditches are not in the
ownership or control of the applicant, but also because there is a long history of drainage
problems throughout the village. If the connection cannot be established with the Pasture
Close sewage plant, then in order to protect parishioners and the applicant from potential
problems, the PC will consider seeking permission to obtain an independent drainage
survey. A condition is requested that the applicant has legal agreements in place with the
land owners regarding the maintenance of the ditches, and that the provision of a French
drain and newt corridor along the whole length of the eastern boundary, including
underneath the entrance roadway.
The design does not include the provision of the use of solar and wind power. Whilst
rainwater will be harvestered it will be used for the gardens only. This is not compatible with
sustainability policies.
The lighting proposed for the car parking areas contravenes NCC Environmental Lighting
Zones Rural Dark Landscape policy.
Parishioner’s feel that the proposals have not taken full account of their concerns. This is
highlighted by the presence of a footpath between the earth bund and the rear boundaries of
the adjacent properties situated on Wheatfields. Residents feel that this area could become
a magnet for undesirable activity. The security for residents adjacent the site has also been
raised as an issue, it is requested that security fencing and planting is used together with
semi-mature and mature planting across the 3 metre wildlife habitat strip and over the bund.
It is requested that the building is rotated so that the two storey element overlooks fields
instead of adjoining gardens. A condition is requested regarding the future use of the site
should the Hospice fail to be built for any reason or fail to succeed once operational due to
09/00699/RMM Development Control Board
6 th July 2009