Issue - meetings

Application for construction of a footpath/cycle way on existing open space.

Consideration was given to planning application 25/0759/LA Land East of Clarendon Road, Thornaby

Planning permission was sought for the provision of a new footpath and cycleway as part of wider pedestrian/cycle network improvement scheme across the Borough.

10no letters of objection had been received following neighbour consultations. 1no letter of support had been received. Cleveland Police did not support the proposal over concerns with the footpath/cycleway potentially exacerbating issues of motorcycle nuisance referenced by local residents.

The application site related to a parcel of land to the east of Clarendon Road. The site was recognised to be designated open space; however, the proposal related to the provision of a new pedestrian and cycle route and therefore drew support from Local Plan Polices.

The application had been assessed in full, and it was considered that the development would not result in any significant conflict with the policies of the Local Plan or relevant chapters of the NPPF and there were no technical reasons why the proposed scheme would be deemed unacceptable in planning terms in which to justify refusal of the application.

In accordance with the Councils scheme of delegation, the application was to be determined by Planning Committee as the application was Local Authority development with a total site area of over 500 square metres.

The consultees that had been notified and the comments that had been received were

detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and the comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Officers report concluded that in view of the assessment contained within the report and taking into account the concerns received by local residents and representatives from Cleveland Police, it was considered that the proposed development would not result in any significant conflict with the policies contained within the Stockon on Tees Local Plan or the relevant chapters of the NPPF and there were no technical reasons why the proposed scheme would be deemed unacceptable.

In planning terms, the proposed development was considered acceptable in all other regards and was therefore recommended for approval subject to those planning conditions set out in the report.

Objectors attended the meeting and were given the opportunity to make

representation. Their comments could be summarised as follows:

- Why did the Council want to use green space when there were already existing cycleways which could be joined up and deliver the same outcome?

- Cyclists wanted a direct route from Ingleby Barwick to Teesside Park, however the current Council proposal did not achieve this.

- The Council had proposed a cycle way from Mitchell Avenue in part, however if this was to join to Linear Park it would service schools better making it safer for children who wanted to cycle to and from school.

- The Council had proposed to put in a crossing further down Mitchell Avenue which would then join an already  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39