New fencing and CCTV camera installation (retrospective)

The report concerned a retrospective application for permission to erect a 2.2m high metal fence, running 290m across site, and 8 CCTV cameras on posts ranging between 3.5m and 7.5m in height. There were small openings at ground level to enable wildlife to pass through at 5m intervals. The applicant proposed to plant a mixed native hedge on the outer side of the fence to screen it. The 4 CCTV cameras not in ancient woodland would be planted with western redcedar.

The site was situated in an area of archaeological potential, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Metropolitan Green Belt. Part of the site was ancient woodland. It was adjacent to a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and 2 public rights of way.

Officers considered that the proposed development represented inappropriate development within the Green Belt however the fence did not materially undermine the openness of the Green Belt and the security measures represented very special circumstances that clearly outweighed the harm to the Green Belt.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              -

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Le Breton

Local Member:                      Cllr. Mrs. Bracken

In response to a question Officers confirmed the site extended 600m by 520m. The only point at which the metal fence was clearly visible from the footpath was at the southern intersect with the close boarded fence. It was possible that those using the footpath to the south of the site could be monitored by CCTV. Officers had not been supplied information on the specification of the CCTV, for example on whether it was static or where it pointed, but he confirmed the CCTV would be used once the alarm was triggered.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended by the Late Observations Sheet, to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

It was suggested that the case for very special circumstances had not been made out. It was a low crime area, Chartwell next door had not been targeted and there was no greater reason to fear crime on that site than many other sites within the district. Such development was inappropriate in the Green Belt and it was not in the right setting.

It was noted there was some further explanation about the justification of very special circumstances in the Design and Access Statement, though much was confidential.

It was moved and duly seconded that the report be deferred to a future meeting so that the Officers may consider the Design and Access Statement further and provide Members with greater information from the applicant regarding the very special circumstances as to why the development should be allowed in the Green Belt in this case.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

8 votes in favour of the motion

4 votes against the motion

Resolved: That the report be deferred to a future meeting so that the Officers may consider the Design and Access Statement further and also provide Members with greater information from the applicant regarding the very special circumstances as to why the development should be allowed in the Green Belt in this case. .

The meeting clarified that Officers should also seek further information on the CCTV cameras including the splay across public rights of way. A Member also requested more information on the security lights.