Agenda item

Councillor Bullivant left the meeting before consideration of this item.

The Planning Officer introduced the item to the Committee.

The Chair read out objections provided by the Objector who had to leave the meeting before the item. It raised concerns about the medical impact of the smart hubs.

Public Speaker, Supporter – Spoke on:

·       Company is recognised for its environmental work

·       Hubs are funded by advertising and so free for people to use

·       Provision of life-saving equipment

·       Audio is only recorded when the emergency button is pressed

·       Partnership with town council

·       Improves public safety

Comments from Councillors during debate included:

·       Enhances Newton Abbot

·       Minimal impact on heritage

·       Replaces existing information boards

·       Makes town safer and more accessible

·       Concerns around highway safety and impact on drivers

·       Concerns around carbon dioxide production from concrete

·       Not all locations may be suitable

·       What will the adverts look like?

·       Who has access to any CCTV footage that comes from the hubs?

In response, Officers clarified the following:

·       The main concerns of the highway authority is whether the adverts or hubs could be mistaken for something else

·       The adverts will change every 10 seconds

·       Adverts will produce no noise

·       Condition to ensure removal if the company suffers bankruptcy

·       Benefits to the public outweighs the less than substantial harm.

It was proposed by Councillor Hall and seconded by Councillor Buscombe that permission be granted as set out in the report.

A vote was taken – the result was unanimously in favour.

Resolved

That permission be granted subject to the following conditions.

1.     The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiry of three years from the date of this permission. REASON: In accordance with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.     The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the application form and the following approved plans:

REASON: In order to ensure compliance with the approved drawings.

3.     Prior to commencement of any work to locations numbered 005, 006, 007, 008, and 009 as identified on the Master Site Location Plan reference NEWABB-00- MLP-2024-01_REVB hereby approved, a scheme for the removal of the existing information boards at these locations shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall include the following: (a) timetable for removal of the information of the boards; (b) details of the manner in which the boards will be removed, and; (c) details of the manner in which the ground will be made good (including surfacing materials). The development shall then be carried out in accordance with the approved details. REASON: In the interest of ensuring that the street furniture clutter is not increased as a result of the development within a setting of listed buildings and in Conservation Areas.

4.     Prior to any of the hubs hereby approved becoming operational, a scheme for the management, maintenance, repair, and removal if hubs cease to operate for each of the hubs shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall thereafter be maintained and retained in accordance with the approved details. REASON: In the interest of ensuring that the hubs remain in good working order for the benefit of the public and to ensure that their appearance is maintained.

5.     The screens located on elevations ‘A’ and ‘D’ of each of the hubs as identified on all Proposed Elevation/Technical Specification drawings hereby approved shall be fully turned off and shall not be operational between the hours of 12:00am and 06:00am Monday to Sunday. REASON: In the interest of mitigating against disturbance to the residential amenity of the surrounding properties resultant from illumination of the digital screens.

6.     The screens located on elevations ‘A’ and ‘D’ on each of the hubs as identified on all Proposed Elevation/Technical Specification drawings hereby approved shall be operated and maintained in strict accordance with the approved ‘Lighting level’ section of the Design, Management & Operational Statement (page 39). REASON: In the interest of mitigating against disturbance to the residential amenity of the surrounding properties resultant from illumination of the digital screens.