Agenda item

(Director of Governance) To consider the attached report for advertisement consent for the erection of 11 free standing gateway signs across 9 sites and 3 visitor hub signs across 3 sites (DEV-013-2015/16).

The Assistant Director of Governance (Development Management) presented a report for advertisement consent for the erection of eleven free standing gateway signs across nine sites and three visitor hub signs across three sites.

The Assistant Director informed the Committee that this application had been referred directly to the Committee for determination, as it affected more than one Area Plans Sub-Committee; in this instance, Sub-Committees East, South and West.

The Assistant Director reported that the proposal was for the erection of fourteen non-illuminated signs consisting of small, medium and large gateway signs and visitor hub signs. Several of these signs were intended to replace existing signage and the aim was to give visitors a sense of arrival to Epping Forest as well as to remind drivers to be aware of the Forest environment. The chosen image was the work of local artist Walter E Spradberry and had been created to advertise the No 56 Bus route through Epping Forest. It was originally published by the Underground Electric Railways Company Limited in 1913. The new signs were part of the “Branching-Out” Project being undertaken by the Conservators of Epping Forest, and funded as part of the Heritage Lottery project. As part of the project, similar planning applications had been made to the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Newham and these had all been granted advertisement consent.

Officers had concluded that, whilst the design might not be universally popular with all residents, the signs had been specifically designed to appropriately advertise the Forest and assist in directing visitors without being harmful to highway safety or the character and appearance of the area. The proposal complied with guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant Local Plan Policies and was therefore recommended for approval.

The Committee noted the Summary of Representations received in respect of the application. Seven letters of objection had been received from Loughton Town Council, Theydon Bois Parish Council, the Epping Society, Theydon Bois Action Group, Theydon Bois & District Rural Preservation Society, Loughton Residents Association and Buckhurst Hill Residents Society. Waltham Abbey Town Council and Epping Town Council had responded but had no objections. The Committee heard from the City of London Corporation, who were speaking on behalf of the applicant  - the Conservators of Epping Forest – before proceeding to debate the application.

A number of Members felt that the proposed signs were garish, out of character with the natural scene of the Forest, and harmful to the local amenity. There was some discussion as to whether the Village Green in Theydon Bois actually constituted a gateway to the Forest, as this was one of the proposed locations. It was suggested that the phrase “Thank you for driving carefully” when leaving the Forest could imply that drivers no longer needed to continue driving carefully. However, it was pointed out by the Chairman that such signs were common across the country when leaving towns and villages.

However, there were Members who liked the signs, felt they were quite attractive and would make a statement when entering the Forest, although the reality was probably that most people would drive past them without a second glance. The applicant emphasised that a condition on the use of the design by the Transport for London Museum was that it should be the original and not revised in any way. It was also highlighted that a refusal for this planning application would jeopardise the whole project.

Resolved:

(1)        That planning application EPF/1703/15 for various sites at main entrances to Epping Forest be granted permission, subject to the following conditions:

            1.         The development hereby permitted must be begun not later than the                       expiration of three years beginning with the date of this notice.

2.         The development hereby permitted must be completed strictly in     accordance with the approved Location Plans and the drawings and             details contained within the Epping Forest Gateways Proposal          document dated July 2015.