Agenda item

The Committee received a report of the CPO in relation to the installation of a permanent, equal, step free access between the North Transept of St. Paul's Cathedral and the North Churchyard to replace the existing single temporary ramp.

The Committee was advised that the proposal had been assessed in accordance with the relevant statutory duties, the development plan and other relevant policies, and would result in less than substantial harm to the special architectural or historic interest of the Cathedral. The harm was outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal to provide equal access for the greatest number of people with a minimal and visual impact.

The Chairman told officers that the site visit had been arranged at too short notice and advised members that going forwards he would be establishing a fixed date and time for these before each meeting.

In response to a question concerning why the papers did not include an image of the proposal and only gave the existing situation, the CPO advised that it was the City’s practice to only include images of the existing situation. The proposed image was not included as a limited view of the proposal could be seen as giving an impartial picture of the proposal which could give rise to a challenge.

Members raised a number of questions in relation to the proposed design and sought clarification on the term ‘less than substantial harm’ which they felt gave no acknowledgement of any actual harm to the building and conservation area.

In response to a question concerning why a more substantial temporary ramp could not be installed instead, the CPO advised that the proposal was fully reversible with no risk of damage to the building.

Arising from the discussion the application was put to the vote, the result of which was as follows:

18 votes in favour

6 votes against

RESOLVED - That planning permission be GRANTED for the above proposal in accordance with the details set out in the attached schedule.