Planning applications for the proposed skatepark (FOI)

Request

Government promised to put in the Planning Application for the Les Quennevais skatepark by 28 February 2021, with South Hill plans following shortly after.

I believe the plans went in on time but have recently read an online comment from a politician noting that the plans are now delayed because "important information was missing from both applications".

Please can we be told:

A

What this missing information was?

B

Who was responsible for the error?

C

What is being done to rectify the issue?

D

The impact on time scales?

E

The impact on the budget?

Response

A

The Development Control Section (‘Planning’) of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment, (IHE) requested that the following be provided in addition to the items submitted with the original planning applications for Les Quennevais and South Hill.

Les Quennevais Skatepark

• a topographic survey to be provided on a separate drawing without an overlay of the new skate park design

• further lighting design information

• ecological impact assessment considering the impact, especially for bats, on the site and surrounding area from the proposed flood lighting

• detailed surface water drainage design information

• tree root protection areas to be indicated on drawings where trees are being retained

• further details of site supervision and management

• further details of cycle parking and pick-up / drop off points

• species protection plan

• further details of access to toilet facilities and drinking water

South Hill Skatepark

• further details required in relation to the photomontage provided to enable the scale and mass of project to be determined

• parameter plans including detailed sections, elevations and details of the key skatepark features

• further lighting design information

• ecological impact assessment considering the impact, especially for bats, on the site and surrounding area from the proposed flood lighting

• further ecological surveys and impact assessments

• detailed surface water drainage design information

• further details of supervision and management

• transport statement including an estimate of visitor numbers

• further information regarding pick up/drop off points and cycle parking

• further details of access through the proposed development

• further details of access to toilet facilities and drinking water

B

The initial planning application and supporting documents were submitted by the Engineering and Development section of IHE on behalf of Sport, following pre-application advice provided by Planning. However, this advice was based on the limited information available at the time.

Planning regularly request further information in support of applications to help determine whether an application can be approved.

C

Planning is liaising with the Engineering and Development section in order to obtain the additional information required. (see response A).

Further design, survey and assessment work is being carried out by Engineering and Development to enable Planning to progress both applications.

D

At this stage we estimate that the completion of the skatepark has been delayed by two months.

E

There has been no impact on the budget.