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

the landscape, the screening and the bio-diversity of both the houses and the new site. The
tree is likely to die from both root loss and loss of the ground water that currently supplies it.
The tree is shown in the photos on drawing 2025/P25 (of the eastern boundary and more
clearly along the northern boundary to Wheatfield’s). The tree also may be affected by site
works including constructing the tree lined walk and mounding.
It is therefore recommended that this proposed drainage is amended so that any drains or
other site works are outside the root protection area of this tree, as defined by BS5837:2005
and that the tree is also protected by fencing designed to this standard. It is also
recommended that all trees retained around the site are protected to this standard. Thus an
Arboricultural implication assessment, method statement and root protection plan to BS
5837 are recommended, and that the drainage plan is revised to ensure the protection and
retention of boundary trees. The tree is currently helping to drain the site around it because
of its relatively high water uptake due to its species and size.
The development also requires a detailed landscape scheme to address the issues of
development in the countryside, and the amenity of both site users and existing residents, so
a condition is needed for this.
Campaign to Protect Rural England: Concern is expressed in relation to the effect the
development will have on the quality of life of residents who adjoin the site. In particular
concern is expressed in relation to over-looking and noise generation activities which are
located towards the properties in Wheatfield’s.
In relation to lighting it is confirmed that this will certainly change the character and
appearance of this dark skies area. The External Lighting Report says that the lighting will be
controlled by time switches and photocells but does not specify the time periods over which
lights will be switched on and what proportion of the lights will be 'dusk to dawn'. The
proposed 70 watt high pressure sodium lamps will produce a very urbanising effect on
surrounding rural landscapes. There are more energy efficient white light sources currently
available, these should be used. The report refers to the shielding of lights it does not specify
the use of the full cut off flat glass fitments. Such lights not only minimise upward light spill
but they also reduce the horizontal light spill over the surrounding areas.
REPRESENTATIONS
Twenty-one letters of representation have been received. Fourteen of these letters support
the application. The letters of objection raise the following concerns:
• Consultation exercise carried out by the applicant was just a 'tick box' exercise;
• Two storey element is much closer towards gardens resulting in over-looking;
• Drainage measures are too vague;
• Should be responsibility for the maintenance of adjoining ditches and an undertaking
by the Environment Agency to investigate the aquifer on site;
• Footpath on the eastern side of the site should be deleted;
• Concern in relation to light pollution from the building and adjoining car parking
areas;
• Substantial landscaping should be incorporated and be in place before work in
commenced;
• The earth mound should be in the order of 3 metres in height along the eastern
fringes of the site;
• Impact on wildlife needs to be fully assessed;
• Time limits should be imposed relating to hours of construction;
• Concern in relation to traffic assess and parking;
09/00699/RMM Development Control Board
6 th July 2009