Agenda and minutes

The Assistant Director City Development presented the application for full planning permission for temporary consent for up to three years for the installation of temporary buildings on land at Gloucester Road for use by the Steiner Academy, Exeter (education use (D1)) and creation of a temporary outdoor play area and associated works.

Members were circulated with an update sheet - attached to minutes.

The recommendation was for approval subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

Councillor Hannaford, having given notice under Standing Order No.44, spoke on the item. He raised the following points:-

• this area of Exwick already suffers from severe traffic congestion during school dropping off and picking up times because of Exwick Heights Primary school, problems which will be exacerbated by providing a school on the former Foxhayes School site where it is expected that 198 trips/day will be generated in the second year
• the traffic management plan and school transport plan need to be re-examined, the former to include consideration of the use of Truro Drive as a second access to relieve pressure on the Gloucester Road junction
• if the Compulsory Purchase Order negotiations for a footway from Kinnerton Way to Exwick Heights School could be expedited, public access in this area could be improved
• a standard school travel plan is insufficient for a Steiner Academy which will attract pupils from a wide catchment area, including beyond Exeter. A more robust plan is necessary
• the proposed change of school finishing time from 3.30pm to 3.45pm is of vital importance and should be rigorously enforced.

The Assistant Director City Development explained that the school transport plan was designed specific to this proposal.

Mr Swindell, Principal designate of the Steiner Academy spoke in support of the application. He raised the following points:-

• there were 600 Steiner Schools in Europe and 38 privately funded ones in England with a further two state funded. Exeter, would be the third such state funded Steiner school in the UK
• 130 pupils were to be enrolled in September rising to 624 when full. Of the 130 pupils, 70% have parents resident in Exeter
• funding was in place from the Government’s Education Funding Agency
• there had been detailed discussions on the school transport plan and traffic management arrangements with the County and City Officers as well as the Exwick Heights Primary School Head
• the school would be of economic benefit to the City and 14 teachers had been recruited to date
• the school would complement other education provision in the City and close links would be fostered with both Exeter College and the University as well as the City’s wider educational establishment
• the Steiner school philosophy will broaden educational choice in the City.

He responded as follows to Members’ queries:-

• the school transport plan included provision for a walking bus and car sharing but it was difficult to anticipate the number of pupils likely to take these up. The older children will walk, cycle or use the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

The Senior Area Planning Officer presented the report on the Devon County Council consultation on the proposed erection of a two platform railway halt with associated pedestrian footbridge, access and parking/turning area and emergency access road.

The recommendation was for approval subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

Members were circulated with an update sheet - attached to minutes. It was noted that the County Council had withdrawn the application in order to submit revised plans on conclusion of their discussions with Viridor.

The Transportation Studies Manager reported that the only change necessary for the scheme was to re-visit the design of the western entrance to facilitate access by emergency vehicles and possible re-alignment of the pedestrian/cycle access.

Councillor Ruffle, having given notice under Standing Order No.44, spoke on this item. He raised the following points:-

• welcomed the inclusion of CCTV coverage within the facility and hoped that images would be of the highest quality
• requested clear signage to indicate location of nearby Park and Ride site and associated bus stops.

RESOLVED that the Assistant Director City Development be granted delegated authority to advise the County Council, on the receipt of a fresh application, that the City Council raise no objection to the proposed railway halt subject to conditions in respect of a revised landscape plan showing a complete replanting of the western side of the site and further consideration of the access arrangement from the Clapperbrook Lane/Grace Road junction. In addition, a comment should be made to ensure the future consideration of the need to facilitate connections in respect of District Energy Network.

(Report circulated)

The Senior Area Planning Officer presented the report on Devon County Council’s consultation on the proposed erection of a single platform railway station on the existing Exeter-Exmouth railway line with associated pedestrian, vehicular access and parking area and provision for a future underpass crossing.

A Member noted that there should be no public audible information system in the interests of nearby residential amenity, but requested that alternative means of conveying travel information to blind people were explained.

RESOLVED that the County Council be advised that the City Council raises no objection to the proposed railway haltsubject to a further detailed condition being imposed in respect of landscaping adjacent to the proposed subway and boundary treatment and a condition ensuring no externally public audible information system is provided. In addition, a revision to the submitted parking layout is required.

(Report circulated)