Agenda item

Planning Reference – 182158

All documents associated with this application can be found at the following link and then enter the reference number above:-

https://publicaccess.aberdeencity.gov.uk/online-applications/

Planning Officer:  Robert Forbes

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, which recommended:-

That the application for the installation and extension of a steel wall fence, access gate, footpath connection and installation of a timber fence with all associated works, at Balmoral Stadium, Wellington Circle Aberdeen, be approved subject to the following conditions:-

Conditions

1.    Public Access Strategy

That during all Cove Rangers FC competitive or friendly football matches played at the Balmoral Stadium, the footpath connection to Redmoss Road, as shown on drawing no. 11318-P(--)022A shall be made available with continuous unobstructed access (i.e. the gate is kept open) for use by members of the public from at least 30 minutes prior to match kick-off times until at least 30 minutes following the end of matches, to be managed by Cove Rangers FC staff – in the interests of sustainable transportation, improved connectivity to and with local communities and enabling pedestrian accessibility from a wider catchment area, in accordance with the objectives of Scottish Planning Policy, policy T3 (Sustainable and Active Travel) of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan, the Aberdeen City Local Transport strategy 2016-2021 and the Aberdeen Active Travel Action Plan 2017.

2.    Landscaping

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, the metal fencing hereby authorised (as shown in red on drawing no. 11318-P(--)002 A) shall not remain on site beyond a period expiring on 31/12/19 unless a further scheme of landscaping for the site has been submitted to and approved in writing for the purpose by the planning authority. This scheme shall include indications of all existing trees and landscaped areas on the land, together with the proposed areas of tree / shrub / hedge planting along the verge / boundary with Redmoss Road, including details of numbers, densities, locations, species, sizes and stage of maturity at planting. Such approved landscaping scheme shall be implemented in full by 31/12/2019 - In the interests of the visual amenity of the adjacent green belt area / green space network area and protection of the setting of Redmoss Road.

The Committee heard from Robert Forbes, Senior Planner, who spoke in furtherance of the application and answered various questions from members.

It was noted that Councillor Flynn had intended to speak to the Committee as a local member in regard to this application, however had been held up in another meeting.  As a result, the Convener agreed to note Councillor Flynn’s intention.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

that the application be approved subject to condition two as contained within the report and with an amendment to condition 1 to read:-

“that the gate only be used in the event of an emergency from the stadium, by means of egress only.  Reason:  that allowing unrestricted access through the gate during matches would result in obstruction of Redmoss Rd by parked and turning vehicles to the detriment to the amenity of residents of Redmoss Road, road safety and access by emergency vehicles seeking to attend any fires on the Gramps.”

Councillor Lumsden, seconded by Councillor Cormie, moved as an amendment:-

That the application be approved with the conditions contained within the report.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (6) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Allan, Cooke, Copland and Graham; for the amendment (3) – Councillors Cormie, Greig and Lumsden.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion and therefore approve the application conditionally with the amendment to condition 1 as stated above.