Agenda item

DEFERRED

Application under section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the variation of condition 2 of permission ref.21/02984/FULL1 to allow the retention of the existing one-way system and the relocation of the gate posts at the beginning of the driveway.

Following a presentation of the application by the Planning Officer, the Committee were informed that an independent traffic report/survey, commissioned by the North Copers Cope Road Action Group in support of their objections, had only just been received. As such, there had been no time for Planners/Highways Officers to consider or respond to the report’s findings.

An oral representation was received from the Chairman of the North Copers Cope Road Action Group in objection to the application. Residents’ concerns were explained as outlined in the Report, including major concerns over traffic congestion and safety issues. The findings of the independent traffic report were also referred to.

An oral representation was then received from the Chief Financial Officer of Crystal Palace Football Club (CPFC) in support of the application. The Committee were informed that CPFC have been operating the site for two years, with consideration given to traffic and safety issues. It is felt that the plan is a significant improvement and will help with congestion concerns.

Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Michael Tickner gave an oral representation regarding the application. The Committee were informed of residents’ concerns over severe traffic problems, congestion and safety issues caused by the site. Councillor Tickner also referred to the independent traffic report and recommended the Committee considered deferral of the application in order for Planning/Highways to fully consider the report.

Ward Councillor and Committee Member, Councillor Will Connolly highlighted to the Committee the high number of residents’ objections and reiterated concerns over traffic congestion, road safety and traffic noise. Following discussions with interested parties, Councillor Connolly explained that everyone wanted the scheme/proposals to work. It was felt that more work was also needed on the management strategy for use of the site in peak hours and when the site becomes fully operational.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE DEFERRED, for the following reasons:

To assess the independent traffic report submitted by objectors and to look at the wider traffic implications of the sports ground.