Agenda item

We considered the application and late correspondence, which was recommended for approval subject to the conditions, as outlined in the report.

The Committee was informed that the application referred to a request for consent for a total of six freestanding signs at the following locations along the A48 in the vicinity of Chepstow and Caerwent:

·         Two signs to be located at A48 near Parkwall Roundabout (referred to as Signs 1-2).

·         One sign to be located at A48 near Chepstow Garden Centre (referred to as Sign 3).

·         One sign to be located at Wye Valley Link Road on the approach to High Beech Roundabout, Chepstow (referred to as Sign 4).

·         Two signs be located at A48 Caerwent, between Dinham Road and Pound Lane (referred to as Signs 5-6).

A Member expressed concern regarding Sign 3. This location would be inappropriate for freestanding signs as it would distract motorists at this already busy section of the highway. It could also encourage flyposting at this location.

The Chairman invited County Councillor P. Farley to address the Planning Committee in respect of this application, as he was a Chepstow Member.  The Member expressed concern that the applicant was the Monmouthshire County Council’s Highways Department which also provides the technical advice for this application.  This process has not been challenged. Surveys undertaken by the Highways Department have not been made available for scrutiny purposes. The Town Council and local residents have also made considered comments against the application. Concern was expressed that the Authority has not taken heed of the views expressed against this application.

In response, the Head of Planning, Housing and Place Shaping informed the Committee that the application has come from the Highways Authority but it is a separate team to the team that comments on planning applications.  Therefore, Planning officers have looked at the advice received.  The audits are publically available on the County Council’s website.

It was noted that the content of the signs would be controlled via the Highways Department.

The local Member for Shirenewton had indicated his support for the application via late correspondence.

The local Member for Caerwent, also a Planning Committee Member, expressed his concern regarding signs 5-6 being located on the central reservation of the A48 and considered that these should be removed from the application on safety grounds.

Having considered the application and the views expressed, it was proposed by County Councillor D. Dovey and seconded by County Councillor A. Webb that Signs 1, 2 and 3 of application DC/2015/01594 be approved subject to the conditions, as outlined in the report.

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

For approval                13

Against approval         0

Abstentions                 0

The proposition was carried.

It was proposed by County Councillor R. Harris and seconded by County Councillor R.J. Higginson that Sign 4 of application DC/2015/01594 be approved subject to the conditions, as outlined in the report.

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

For approval                7

Against approval         5

Abstentions                 1

The proposition was carried.

It was proposed by County Councillor P. Murphy and seconded by County Councillor R.J. Higginson that Signs 5 and 6 of application DC/2015/01594 be refused on the grounds of amenity and highway safety.

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

For refusal                   10

Against refusal            0

Abstentions                 3

The proposition was carried.

We therefore resolved that.

(i)    Signs 1, 2 and 3 of application DC/2015/01594 be approved subject to the conditions, as outlined in the report;

(ii)   Sign 4 of application DC/2015/01594 be approved subject to the conditions, as outlined in the report;

(iii) Signs 5 and 6 of application DC/2015/01594 be refused on the grounds of amenity and highway safety.