Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Brightman, with Cllr Chapman substituting.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 14 May 2020 and 20 May 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

None.

It was confirmed that all items were marked Part I and would be considered in public.

Request for approval of plans and specifications under condition imposed by Schedule 17 of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 relating to the creation of new Dews Lane alignment (scheduled work 2/2) running parallel to existing Dews Lane, creation of earthworks, erection of fencing, gabion wall and headwalls and creation of earthworks to facilitate a drainage pond.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Request for approval of plans and specifications under condition imposed by Schedule 17 of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 relating to the creation of new Dews Lane alignment (schedule work 2/2) running parallel to existing Dews Lane, creation of earthworks, erection of fencing, gabion wall and headwalls and creation of earthworks to facilitate a drainage pond.

Officers introduced the application, and the Borough Solicitor stated that there were no statutory grounds to refuse or add conditions to the application. Members heard that two informatives were attached to the application, but there were no legal impediments to the application being approved.

Responding to questioning from the Committee, the Planning Specialists Team Leader confirmed that landscaping would be considered in a later application, but tree planting had already taken place to the east of the site. Councillors heard that more trees would be planted than would be lost, so there should be no net loss in trees, while the feeder station would also be covered by planting.

Members agreed that the application was straightforward, as there were no statutory grounds under the HS2 Act to object to the application. However, the Committee expressed a desire to receive the whole picture for the site.

The Committee noted that there was no alternative to moving the application, and the officer’s recommendation was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed at a vote.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved, subject to the following informatives:

1.    The proposed development includes measures relating to a number of different protected species. The proposals must be designed in accordance with any relevant protected species licence and ecological standards for the project; and,

2.    The nominated undertaker must work with the Council to identify the impacts of the proposals on the surface water drainage regime in the area, including impacts on the New Years Green Bourne and adopted highway. This work must be undertaken on a strategic basis, and factoring in all the relevant parts of this project.

Request for approval of Lorry Routes under condition imposed by Schedule 17 of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 relating to the diversion of the National Grid ZC overhead power line in the Colne Valley.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Request for approval of Lorry Routes under condition imposed by Schedule 17 of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 relating to the diversion of the National Grid ZC overhead power line in Colne Valley.

Officers introduced the application and noted that this application was deferred from a previous meeting as late information was received, but the information has now been submitted and is supported by the Council’s Highways team.

The Borough Solicitor noted that the report was deferred to allow for more detail on access, particularly the access to the northern site, from HS2 Ltd and that this had now been provided. The Committee heard that the Borough Solicitor was of the view that the application agreed a satisfactory balance between allowing works to take place and protecting the integrity of the Borough’s highways. The Borough Solicitor confirmed that the approval was subject to an informative ensuring that appropriate signage by installed north and south of the access route, warning of the potential for slow-moving vehicles in the road. This informative also stated that there must be no queuing traffic on Harvil Road, and the applicant must monitor the turning and provide the Council with updates regarding its safety.

Members discussed the benefits of allowing Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to turn right to leave the site, and whether this would cause queues from Newyear’s Green Lane to access amenity sites. While the Committee noted these concerns, Councillors agreed that sightlines were good on Harvil Road, and turning left out of the access could be more problematic due to housing and shops in the locality.

Officers confirmed that the application was based upon 50 lorries operating at the site, but further details were required from HS2 Ltd, and these would include a Local Transport Management Plan.

The Committee agreed that, in light of legal advice, there were no grounds to change the application. As such, the officer’s recommendation was moved and seconded. Upon being put to a vote, the recommendation was unanimously approved.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved, subject to the following informative:

1.    The applicant must ensure that appropriate signage is installed north and south of the access road providing clear notice of the potential for slow moving vehicles in the road. The applicant must also monitor the use of turning and provide the Council, as the highways authority, necessary updates with regards to safety. The Council reserves the right to seek alternative arrangements if there is evidence the access is being used in an unsafe manner.

There must be no queuing traffic on the Harvil Road. All vehicles waiting to be moved to the main parts of the worksite must not be held on Harvil Road; the access road or alternative locations within the site must provide the holding areas for waiting vehicles.