Archived decisions

Contact: Judith Smallman, ext: 5461 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Planning permission is sought for a single storey hall and two external canopies at Whitewater C of E Primary School, Rotherwick, Hook.

2. Site

2.1 Whitewater Primary School is located in the village of Rotherwick. It is principally surrounded by agricultural land, which gently rises on its northern boundary although part of the original school building adjoins the School House, which is a residential property.

3. Proposal

3.1 The proposed building comprises a single storey, pitched roof structure to the rear of the existing school providing a new hall with associated PE equipment, table and chair stores. It is proposed to link the main school buildings and the new hall with a glazed open sided canopy, which will extend a canopy that already exists.

3.2 The new hall and external canopies have been designed to complement the existing buildings on site. The new hall will be constructed using face brickwork, plain tile and zinc roof sheet to match the character of the existing school building. It will have a new glazed lantern on the roof to enable both light and natural ventilation to penetrate the centre of the hall. The lantern will not only avoid the need for mechanical ventilation and plant but also to prevent glare. The top of the new glazed lantern is marginally higher than the existing ridgeline. In plan the building is quite deep and wide. The zinc sheet roofing `skirt' at the base of the tiled roof has been designed to lessen the overall bulk of the new hall. The new open sided canopies will be constructed using patent glazing. By extending the existing canopy a coherent link is formed between the proposed hall, existing play area and existing kitchen.

3.3 The contractor's access to the site compound will be via the existing main road-The Street. Access onto the existing school play areas for pupils and staff will be clearly separated from site activities. Deliveries and movement of plant will be restricted during school days to ensure safety. The overall number of pupils and staff will not be increased as a result of the new works. No additional parking will be required.

4. Development Plan

4.1 Hart District Local Plan (Replacement) 1996-2006. Relevant policies Gen 1 (General Criteria for Development), Gen 4 (General Design Policy), RUR 35 (Social Infrastructure and Services).

5. Consultations

5.1 Rotherwick Parish Council has no objection to the principle of the development but has strong concerns over the zinc sheet roofing and inclusion of a lantern as it is considered that neither is in character with the existing school buildings.

5.2 Hart District Council has no objection to the proposal.

5.3 Councillor Glen has no objection to the proposal.

6. Site Visit

6.1 In the light of local concerns, the Committee undertook a site visit on
15 March 2004 and met representatives of the school.

6.2 The Chief Planning Adviser described the proposal, which consists of a single storey hall and two external canopies situated in a Conservation Area.

6.3 The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services described the proposal in detail and drew particular attention to the materials, which would be used to match the character of the existing school building. In response to the concerns raised by Rotherwick Parish Council about the zinc sheet roofing and the inclusion of a lantern he advised that the "zinc sheet roofing skirt" at the base of the tiled roof, had been designed to lessen the overall bulk of the new hall whilst the lantern would result in an increase in light and ventilation.

7. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

7.1 In the light of concerns raised over the lantern, the Project Architect has slightly reduced its height and has submitted amended plans. As it is a minor amendment it is not necessary to re- advertise the application.

7.2 Although it is maintained that zinc has not been used elsewhere in Rotherwick and would not be a suitable material to introduce into a Conservation Area it is considered that this concern is unfounded and in any event the proposed location of the hall is not highly visible.

7.3 Overall it is not considered that the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the village and it is recommended that permission be granted, subject to conditions.

Recommendation

That planning permission in respect of a proposed single storey hall and two external canopies at Whitewater C of E Primary School, Rotherwick (03/01818/HCCRG3) be granted permission for the following reason and subject to the following conditions.

Reason for Approval

It is considered that the proposal would be in accordance with the development plan and that any impact on the character of the area would be offset by the wider benefits to the community.

Conditions

(1) The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of five years from the date on which this planning permission was granted.

Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

(2) There shall be no access to the site for vehicles associated with the development (i.e. no delivery vehicles, skip lorries, contractors' cars, plant and materials) on weekdays, in the morning between the hours of 0830 and 0900 and in the afternoon between 1500 and 1530 hours on normal school days.

Reason: In the interests of public safety, to avoid potential traffic conflict at the times of the day when the pupils of the school are being delivered to and collected from the site.

(3) No work relating to the construction of the development approved, including works of preparation prior to operations, the delivery of construction materials, skips or machinery, nor the removal of waste materials, shall take place before 0800 or after 1800 hours Monday to Friday inclusive, before 0800 or after 1400 on Saturday and not at all on Sunday or recognised public holidays, unless otherwise agreed beforehand in writing with the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To protect the amenities of occupiers of nearby properties.

(4) Measures shall be taken to prevent mud and spoil from vehicles leaving the site during the construction works being deposited on the public highway. These measures shall be implemented before the development commences and thereafter maintained. No vehicle shall leave the site unless its wheels have been cleaned sufficiently to prevent mud being carried on to the public highway. In the event that any mud or spoil is deposited on the highway, it shall be cleaned off at the end of each working day.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety.

(5) Samples of the external materials and finishes to be used for the external walls and roof of the proposed building shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of development.

Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the site.

(6) Provision shall be made for the parking and turning on site of operatives' and construction vehicles during the contract period and fully implemented before development commences. Such measures shall be retained for the duration of the construction period.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety.

8713/JS