Agenda item

We considered the report of the application which was recommended for approval subject to the eight conditions, as outlined in the report.

The local Member for Llanfoist Fawr, also a Planning Committee Member, County Councillor G. Howard outlined the following points:

·         He agreed with the plain design and its low visual impact, which did not detract from the heritage of the existing bridge. 

·         It is a good opportunity to address highway safety issues such as the substandard footpath and danger to pedestrians crossing the existing bridge.

·         It is not a perfect location as it will provide a slightly longer route into Town.  A location closer to the existing bridge would be preferable.

·         Concerns were raised regarding onward links to Llanfoist village which is pedestrian unfriendly especially at the point of the A465 crossing.  The Head of Planning, housing and Place Shaping agreed to pass those concerns on to active Travel colleagues.

·         Residents of Bridge Cottages have concerns about the 30m gap and regular use of the path already.  The ground elevation by one storey will provide views of the private amenity space and longer views to the rear elevations.  The local Member supported an amendment to condition 5 to include a small landscaping adjustment to provide screening.

Having considered the report of the application and the views expressed by the local Member, the following points were noted:

·         In safety terms, the proposed bridge will make a significant improvement to safety for pedestrians and cyclists.  The proposal was supported.

·         The proposal was considered to be a good scheme.  Queries have been raised about whether or not the proposed bridge would be lit.  It was acknowledged that there is considerable natural light and provision for some discreet lighting will be built in ready for use if required in the future.

·         Considering screening, it was agreed that there was limited protection and it is a valid point that improved landscaping would eventually resolve residents’ concerns. Additional landscaping was supported

·         A question was raised about the positioning of the bridge support.  This design is to stop the support being in the water.  Assurance was provided that the structure had been designed by suitably qualified professionals. 

·         It was queried who will replace shingles on the bridge in a few years’ time and also commented that a more open design would have been preferred.

·         The risk of possible vandalism was raised and also concerns about children walking across the parapet.  The Head of Planning, Housing and Place Shaping explained that the design is suitable and is planned for the majority of users. 

·         The flood risk impact was noted.

It was proposed by County Councillor M. Powell and seconded by County Councillor P. Murphy that application DM/2018/00408 be approved subject to the eight conditions outlined in the report with amended landscaping to condition 5 as per the local Member’s comments.

Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:

For Approval:              -           13

Against Approval:        -           0

Abstentions:                -           0

The proposition was carried unanimously.

 We resolved that application DM/2018/00408 be approved subject to the eight conditions outlined in the report with amended landscaping to condition 5 as per the local Member’s comments.