“Change of use of Atlantic House from Class C2 (student accommodation) to Class F1a (education). Minor alterations and additions to Atlantic House including the provision of a subservient glazed link building bridging the gap between the original Lytham House Villa and the Atlantic House building, demolition of existing metal fire escape stair on the side elevation and provision of a new fire egress stairway to the rear of the building, replacing existing western car park in place for school outdoor play space, installation of a canopy to the rear for early years play, demolition of existing rooftop plant and replacement with concealed rooftop plant in a partial extension to match the existing roofline, new and improved landscaping to all boundaries including secure fencing along St Albans Grove and partial demolition of poor quality additions to the rear (northern facade) refurbishing to match the original building form and character of Atlantic House……”
“6.123 The proposed change of use to a school would result in the loss of the existing student accommodation in Atlantic House. However, the adopted RBKC Local Plan 2019 does not specifically protect student accommodation. Considering the significant overall net increase in social and community floorspace that would result from the proposals; the benefits of operating Thomas’s School from a single site; and the fact that the existing student accommodation has been vacant since April 2021, on balance, the benefit to the borough associated with the proposed change of use would outweigh the negative impact associated with the loss of student accommodation and the conflict with Local Plan Policy CH1. Therefore, the principle of the proposed change of use and loss of student accommodation at Atlantic House would therefore be considered to be acceptable in this case. The proposal would comply with policy CK1 of the Local Plan. …… 6.125 The proposed development would impact on levels of amenity presently enjoyed within the neighbouring properties, however it is considered that the proposed mitigation measures - including an effective noise management plan restricting number of pupils using the outdoor areas, staggered use of outdoor areas, proposed acoustic fence, staggered arrivals and departures times, and the time restrictions on the use of the outdoor areas- would together be sufficient to ensure that the level of noise and disturbance that the neighbouring properties would experience would be reasonably minimised and mitigated. The impact caused by the development would be outweighed by the provision of the school and subject to the recommended conditions, the proposal would comply with policies CL5 and CE6 of the Local Plan, S3 and D13 of the London Plan and NPPF. Given the existing context of the site, boundary treatment, vegetation, distances between the site and neighbouring properties, the proposed development would not be overbearing and reasonable standards of daylight and sunlight would be retained. Therefore, with the impacts suitably mitigated, the degree of residual impact would not be sufficient to justify a refusal of permission for noise reasons under policy CL5 in this context. 6.126 Given the constrained location of the application site, there is a criticality to the effective operation of measures to positively influence travel demand and to manage residual motorised traffic. Accordingly, any approved travel plan or traffic management plan would need to be routinely monitored by the Council. An ongoing commitment to fund, man and manage a school street- if implemented- during pick up and drop off times (covering all significant arrival and departure times at the school) would be necessary. So too are highway improvements (footway widening) and changes to parking, waiting, and loading restrictions in the vicinity of the school. The school street would ideally be implemented, however the travel management plan which should include the following: - Staggered school opening and closing times - Drop-off areas for children that are away from the school gate where pupils are received by teachers - Clearly defined ‘park and stride’ arrangement based on availability of parking in the area - Agreed vehicle routes to and from the school including no driving through or stopping along St Alban's Grove - School bus management - Details on how such arrangements will be enforced by the school and further details submitted with a travel plan would control and mitigate the impact of the new location of a larger school. Subject to these and other mitigations, listed below (section 7.1), the proposal to locate a 500-student school at this accessible (PTAL 6a) and generally lightly trafficked location would be consistent with NPPF paragraph 111, London Plan Policies T1 B, T2 D, T4 and Local Plan Policy CT1 and CR4.”
“The answer is if it was the make or break on the application -yes”. iv) Cllr Hargreaves asked for clarification as to why the recommendation of the EHO was not being followed and Cllr Zvedeniuk also sought clarification on the EHO’s final position in light of Thomas’s further information about noise. The Council’s case officer, Ms Drzewicka, confirmed that the EHO “is still objecting”. v) Cllr Bennett asked Ms Drzewicka “So we think it might cause significant harm but we’re balanced – I just want to be clear, the balancing is relevant?”
“7. Both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal have, in recent cases, emphasised the limits to the court's role in construing planning policy (see the judgment of Lord Carnwath in Suffolk Coastal District Council v Hopkins Homes Ltd.[2017] UKSC 37 , at paragraphs 22 to 26, and my judgment in Mansell v Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council[2017] EWCA Civ 1314 , at paragraph 41). More broadly, though in the same vein, this court has cautioned against the dangers of excessive legalism infecting the planning system – a warning I think we must now repeat in this appeal (see my judgment in Barwood Strategic Land II LLP v East Staffordshire Borough Council[2017] EWCA Civ 893 , at paragraph 50). There is no place in challenges to planning decisions for the kind of hypercritical scrutiny that this court has always rejected – whether of decision letters of the Secretary of State and his inspectors or of planning officers' reports to committee. The conclusions in an inspector's report or decision letter, or in an officer’s report, should not be laboriously dissected in an effort to find fault (see my judgment in Mansell, at paragraphs 41 and 42, and the judgment of the Chancellor of the High Court, at paragraph 63).”
“42. The principles on which the court will act when criticism is made of a planning officer’s report to committee are well settled. To summarise the law as it stands: (1) The essential principles are as stated by the Court of Appeal in R. v Selby District Council, ex parte Oxton Farms [1997] E.G.C.S. 60 (see, in particular, the judgment of Judge L.J., as he then was). They have since been confirmed several times by this court, notably by Sullivan L.J. in R. (on the application of Siraj) v Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council[2010] EWCA Civ 1286 , at paragraph 19, and applied in many cases at first instance (see, for example, the judgment of Hickinbottom J., as he then was, in R. (on the application of Zurich Assurance Ltd., t/a Threadneedle Property Investments) v North Lincolnshire Council[2012] EWHC 3708 (Admin) , at paragraph 15). (2) The principles are not complicated. Planning officers’ reports to committee are not to be read with undue rigour, but with reasonable benevolence, and bearing in mind that they are written for councillors with local knowledge (see the judgment of Baroness Hale of Richmond in R. (on the application of Morge) v Hampshire County Council[2011] UKSC 2 , at paragraph 36, and the judgment of Sullivan J., as he then was, in R. v Mendip District Council, ex parte Fabre (2000) 80 P. & C.R. 500, at p.509). Unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise, it may reasonably be assumed that, if the members followed the officer’s recommendation, they did so on the basis of the advice that he or she gave (see the judgment of Lewison L.J. in Palmer v Herefordshire Council[2016] EWCA Civ 1061 , at paragraph 7). The question for the court will always be whether, on a fair reading of the report as a whole, the officer has materially misled the members on a matter bearing upon their decision, and the error has gone uncorrected before the decision was made. Minor or inconsequential errors may be excused. It is only if the advice in the officer’s report is such as to misdirect the members in a material way – so that, but for the flawed advice it was given, the committee’s decision would or might have been different – that the court will be able to conclude that the decision itself was rendered unlawful by that advice. (3) Where the line is drawn between an officer’s advice that is significantly or seriously misleading – misleading in a material way – and advice that is misleading but not significantly so will always depend on the context and circumstances in which the advice was given, and on the possible consequences of it. There will be cases in which a planning officer has inadvertently led a committee astray by making some significant error of fact (see, for example R. (on the application of Loader) v Rother District Council[2016] EWCA Civ 795 ), or has plainly misdirected the members as to the meaning of a relevant policy (see, for example, Watermead Parish Council v Aylesbury Vale District Council[2017] EWCA Civ 152 ). There will be others where the officer has simply failed to deal with a matter on which the committee ought to receive explicit advice if the local planning authority is to be seen to have performed its decision-making duties in accordance with the law (see, for example, R. (on the application of Williams) v Powys County Council[2017] EWCA Civ 427 ). But unless there is some distinct and material defect in the officer’s advice, the court will not interfere.” (1) The essential principles are as stated by the Court of Appeal in R. v Selby District Council, ex parte Oxton Farms [1997] E.G.C.S. 60 (see, in particular, the judgment of Judge L.J., as he then was). They have since been confirmed several times by this court, notably by Sullivan L.J. in R. (on the application of Siraj) v Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council[2010] EWCA Civ 1286 , at paragraph 19, and applied in many cases at first instance (see, for example, the judgment of Hickinbottom J., as he then was, in R. (on the application of Zurich Assurance Ltd., t/a Threadneedle Property Investments) v North Lincolnshire Council[2012] EWHC 3708 (Admin) , at paragraph 15). (2) The principles are not complicated. Planning officers’ reports to committee are not to be read with undue rigour, but with reasonable benevolence, and bearing in mind that they are written for councillors with local knowledge (see the judgment of Baroness Hale of Richmond in R. (on the application of Morge) v Hampshire County Council[2011] UKSC 2 , at paragraph 36, and the judgment of Sullivan J., as he then was, in R. v Mendip District Council, ex parte Fabre (2000) 80 P. & C.R. 500, at p.509). Unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise, it may reasonably be assumed that, if the members followed the officer’s recommendation, they did so on the basis of the advice that he or she gave (see the judgment of Lewison L.J. in Palmer v Herefordshire Council[2016] EWCA Civ 1061 , at paragraph 7). The question for the court will always be whether, on a fair reading of the report as a whole, the officer has materially misled the members on a matter bearing upon their decision, and the error has gone uncorrected before the decision was made. Minor or inconsequential errors may be excused. It is only if the advice in the officer’s report is such as to misdirect the members in a material way – so that, but for the flawed advice it was given, the committee’s decision would or might have been different – that the court will be able to conclude that the decision itself was rendered unlawful by that advice. (3) Where the line is drawn between an officer’s advice that is significantly or seriously misleading – misleading in a material way – and advice that is misleading but not significantly so will always depend on the context and circumstances in which the advice was given, and on the possible consequences of it. There will be cases in which a planning officer has inadvertently led a committee astray by making some significant error of fact (see, for example R. (on the application of Loader) v Rother District Council[2016] EWCA Civ 795 ), or has plainly misdirected the members as to the meaning of a relevant policy (see, for example, Watermead Parish Council v Aylesbury Vale District Council[2017] EWCA Civ 152 ). There will be others where the officer has simply failed to deal with a matter on which the committee ought to receive explicit advice if the local planning authority is to be seen to have performed its decision-making duties in accordance with the law (see, for example, R. (on the application of Williams) v Powys County Council[2017] EWCA Civ 427 ). But unless there is some distinct and material defect in the officer’s advice, the court will not interfere.”
“If regard is to be had to the development plan for the purpose of any determination to be made under the planning Acts, the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”
“Moreover the section has not touched the well-established distinction in principle between those matters which are properly within the jurisdiction of the decision-maker and those matters in which the court can properly intervene. It has introduced a requirement with which the decision-maker must comply, namely the recognition of the priority to be given to the development plan. It has thus introduced a potential ground on which the decision-maker could be faulted were he to fail to give effect to that requirement. But beyond that it still leaves the assessment of the facts and the weighing of the considerations in the hands of the decision-maker. It is for him to assess the relative weight to be given to all the material considerations. It is for him to decide what weight is to be given to the development plan, recognising the priority to be given to it. As Glidewell L.J. observed in Loup v. Secretary of State for the Environment (1995) 71 P. & C.R. 175, 186: “What section 54A does not do is to tell the decision-maker what weight to accord either to the development plan or to other material considerations.”
“18. … The development plan is a carefully drafted and considered statement of policy, published in order to inform the public of the approach which will be followed by planning authorities in decision-making unless there is good reason to depart from it. It is intended to guide the behaviour of developers and planning authorities. As in other areas of administrative law, the policies which it sets out are designed to secure consistency and direction in the exercise of discretionary powers, while allowing a measure of flexibility to be retained…. in this area of public administration as in others (as discussed, for example, in R (Raissi) v Secretary of State for the Home Department[2008] QB 836 ), policy statements should be interpreted objectively in accordance with the language used, read as always in its proper context. 19. That is not to say that such statements should be construed as if they were statutory or contractual provisions. Although a development plan has a legal status and legal effects, it is not analogous in its nature or purpose to a statute or a contract. As has often been observed, development plans are full of broad statements of policy, many of which may be mutually irreconcilable, so that in a particular case one must give way to another. In addition, many of the provisions of development plans are framed in language whose application to a given set of facts requires the exercise of judgment. Such matters fall within the jurisdiction of planning authorities, and their exercise of their judgment can only be challenged on the ground that it is irrational or perverse (Tesco Stores Ltd v Secretary of State for the Environment[1995] 1 WLR 759 , 780 per Lord Hoffmann). Nevertheless, planning authorities do not live in the world of Humpty Dumpty: they cannot make the development plan mean whatever they would like it to mean.”
“24. In the first place, it is important that the role of the court is not overstated. Lord Reed’s application of the principles in the particular case (para 18) needs to be read in the context of the relatively specific policy there under consideration …. 25. It must be remembered that, whether in a development plan or in a non-statutory statement such as the NPPF, these are statements of policy, not statutory texts, and must be read in that light. Even where there are disputes over interpretation, they may well not be determinative of the outcome. …. 26. Recourse to the courts may sometimes be needed to resolve distinct issues of law, or to ensure consistency of interpretation in relation to specific policies, as in the Tesco case. In that exercise the specialist judges of the Planning Court have an important role. However, the judges are entitled to look to applicants, seeking to rely on matters of planning policy in applications to quash planning decisions (at local or appellate level), to distinguish clearly between issues of interpretation of policy, appropriate for judicial analysis, and issues of judgment in the application of that policy; and not to elide the two.”
“83. ….Assuming that the LPA had had regard to relevant NPPF policies, where that material does not reveal any misinterpretation of the NPPF, the only challenge that could be pursued would be to the LPA’s judgment when applying that national policy. Such a challenge may only be made on grounds of irrationality (Tesco Stores Ltd v Dundee City Council[2012] PTSR 983 ). Because of the critical difference between these two types of challenge as to the juridical basis upon which a court may intervene, a claimant must not dress up what is in reality a criticism of the application of policy as if it were a misinterpretation of policy. 84. Normally a claimant fails to raise a genuine case of misinterpretation of policy unless he identifies (i) the policy wording said to have been misinterpreted, (ii) the interpretation of that language adopted by the decision-maker and (iii) how that interpretation departs from the correct interpretation of the policy wording in question. A failure by the claimant to address these points, as in the present case, is likely to indicate that the complaint is really concerned with application, rather than misinterpretation, of policy.”
“Through the effective management and control of environmental, neighbour and neighbourhood noise within the context of the Government policy on sustainable development: - avoid significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life; - mitigate and minimise adverse impacts on health and quality of life; and - where possible, contribute to the improvement of health and quality of life.”
“2.17 …… the goal of sustainable development is being pursued in an integrated way through a sustainable, innovative and productive economy that delivers high levels of employment and a just society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal wellbeing….” “2.18 There is a need to integrate consideration of the economic and social benefit of the activity or policy under examination with proper consideration of the adverse environmental effects, including the impact of noise on health and quality of life. This should avoid noise being treated in isolation in any particular situation, i.e. not focussing solely on the noise impact without taking into account other related factors.”
“174. Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: ….. e) preventing new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability….. …..”
“185. Planning policies and decisions should also ensure that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site or the wider area to impacts that could arise from the development. In doing so they should: a) mitigate and reduce to a minimum potential adverse impacts resulting from noise from new development – and avoid noise giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and the quality of life; …..”
“How can noise impacts be determined? Plan-making and decision making need to take account of the acoustic environment and in doing so consider: • whether or not a significant adverse effect is occurring or likely to occur; • whether or not an adverse effect is occurring or likely to occur; and • whether or not a good standard of amenity can be achieved. In line with the Explanatory note of the noise policy statement for England, this would include identifying whether the overall effect of the noise exposure (including the impact during the construction phase wherever applicable) is, or would be, above or below the significant observed adverse effect level and the lowest observed adverse effect level for the given situation. As noise is a complex technical issue, it may be appropriate to seek experienced specialist assistance when applying this policy. Paragraph: 003 Reference ID: 30-003-20190722 Revision date: 22 07 2019 What are the observed effect levels? • Significant observed adverse effect level: This is the level of noise exposure above which significant adverse effects on health and quality of life occur. • Lowest observed adverse effect level: this is the level of noise exposure above which adverse effects on health and quality of life can be detected. • No observed effect level: this is the level of noise exposure below which no effect at all on health or quality of life can be detected. Although the word ‘level’ is used here, this does not mean that the effects can only be defined in terms of a single value of noise exposure. In some circumstances adverse effects are defined in terms of a combination of more than one factor such as noise exposure, the number of occurrences of the noise in a given time period, the duration of the noise and the time of day the noise occurs. See the noise policy statement for England for further information. Paragraph: 004 Reference ID: 30-004-20190722 Revision date: 22 07 2019 How can it be established whether noise is likely to be a concern? At the lowest extreme, when noise is not perceived to be present, there is by definition no effect. As the noise exposure increases, it will cross the ‘no observed effect’ level. However, the noise has no adverse effect so long as the exposure does not cause any change in behaviour, attitude or other physiological responses of those affected by it. The noise may slightly affect the acoustic character of an area but not to the extent there is a change in quality of life. If the noise exposure is at this level no specific measures are required to manage the acoustic environment. As the exposure increases further, it crosses the ‘lowest observed adverse effect’ level boundary above which the noise starts to cause small changes in behaviour and attitude, for example, having to turn up the volume on the television or needing to speak more loudly to be heard. The noise therefore starts to have an adverse effect and consideration needs to be given to mitigating and minimising those effects (taking account of the economic and social benefits being derived from the activity causing the noise). Increasing noise exposure will at some point cause the ‘significant observed adverse effect’ level boundary to be crossed. Above this level the noise causes a material change in behaviour such as keeping windows closed for most of the time or avoiding certain activities during periods when the noise is present. If the exposure is predicted to be above this level the planning process should be used to avoid this effect occurring, for example through the choice of sites at the plan-making stage, or by use of appropriate mitigation such as by altering the design and layout. While such decisions must be made taking account of the economic and social benefit of the activity causing or affected by the noise, it is undesirable for such exposure to be caused. At the highest extreme, noise exposure would cause extensive and sustained adverse changes in behaviour and / or health without an ability to mitigate the effect of the noise. The impacts on health and quality of life are such that regardless of the benefits of the activity causing the noise, this situation should be avoided. [The PPG provides a link to its Noise Exposure Hierarchy Table] This table summarises the noise exposure hierarchy, based on the likely average response of those affected. Paragraph: 005 Reference ID: 30-0055-20190722 Revision date: 22 27 2019”
“significant observed adverse effect”, and “unacceptable adverse effect”
“The Council will carefully control the impact of noise and vibration generating sources which affect amenity both during the construction and operational phases of development. The Council will require new noise and vibration sensitive developments to mitigate and protect occupiers against existing sources of noise and vibration. To deliver this the Council will: a….. b. resist developments which fail to meet adopted local noise and vibration standards; c. resist all applications for noise and vibration generating development and plant that would have an unacceptable noise and vibration impact on surrounding amenity; d…..”
“The Council will require all development ensures good living conditions for occupants of new, existing and neighbouring buildings. To deliver this the Council will: a. require applicants to take into account the prevailing characteristics of the area; b. …… c. …… d. …… e. require that the reasonable enjoyment of the use of buildings, gardens and other spaces is not harmed due to increases in traffic, servicing, parking, noise, disturbance, odours or vibration or local microclimatic effects.”
“…… C New noise and other nuisance-generating development proposed close to residential and other noise-sensitive uses should put in place measures to mitigate and manage any noise impacts for neighbouring residents and businesses. D Development proposals should manage noise and other potential nuisances by: 1) ensuring good design mitigates and minimises existing and potential nuisances ….. 2) exploring mitigation measures early in the design stage, with necessary and appropriate provisions including ongoing and future management of mitigation measures secured through planning obligations; 3) ….. E Boroughs should not normally permit development proposals that have not clearly demonstrated how noise and other nuisances will be mitigated and managed.”
“Therefore, with the impacts suitably mitigated, the degree of residual impact would not be sufficient to justify a refusal of permission for noise reasons under policy CL5 in this context.”
“15. As Lord Reed observed in Tesco Stores Ltd v Dundee City Council[2012] UKSC 13 ,[2012] PTSR 983 at [19]: “Although a development plan has a legal status and legal effects, it is not analogous in its nature or purpose to a statute or a contract. As has often been observed, development plans are full of broad statements of policy, many of which may be mutually irreconcilable, so that in a particular case one must give way to another. In addition, many of the provisions of development plans are framed in language whose application to a given set of facts requires the exercise of judgment. Such matters fall within the jurisdiction of planning authorities, and their exercise of their judgment can only be challenged on the ground that it is irrational or perverse.” 16. The same is true of the NPPF. 17. The second part of the Noise Policy Statement for England says that noise impact is to be minimised “within the context of Government policy on sustainable development”
“I do not accept the submission that there is a different emphasis or indeed a practical consequence to considering a proposal against the yard stick of whether adverse impacts from noise are kept to a minimum or the yard stick of whether the noise would have an unreasonable impact on amenity.” 19. I agree. If, as the committee concluded, the noise was neither unreasonable nor substantial, it is difficult to see what further reasonable steps they were required to consider. In my judgment Ms Clutten’s argument treats the policies with which we are concerned as if they were statutory texts. There are textual differences between the two, to be sure, but in agreement with the judge I consider that they are no more than semantic ones.” “Although a development plan has a legal status and legal effects, it is not analogous in its nature or purpose to a statute or a contract. As has often been observed, development plans are full of broad statements of policy, many of which may be mutually irreconcilable, so that in a particular case one must give way to another. In addition, many of the provisions of development plans are framed in language whose application to a given set of facts requires the exercise of judgment. Such matters fall within the jurisdiction of planning authorities, and their exercise of their judgment can only be challenged on the ground that it is irrational or perverse.” “I do not accept the submission that there is a different emphasis or indeed a practical consequence to considering a proposal against the yard stick of whether adverse impacts from noise are kept to a minimum or the yard stick of whether the noise would have an unreasonable impact on amenity.”
“If the exposure is predicted to be above this level the planning process should be used to avoid this effect occurring, for example through the choice of sites at the plan-making stage, or by use of appropriate mitigation such as by altering the design and layout. While such decisions must be made taking account of the economic and social benefit of the activity causing or affected by the noise, it is undesirable for such exposure to be caused.”
“In terms of the impact on no. 11a Douro Place, it is the Council’s understanding that the applicant and the neighbour have agreed that replacement of the windows within the studio at no. 11a with either double or triple glazed windows, would be facilitated by the school. It would be outside the scope of a condition or s106 to require these works to a neighbour’s property, but it can be reasonably expected that the school would carry out their offer.”
“The answer is if it was the make or break on the application -yes”
“6.103 Given the constrained location of the application site, there is a criticality to the effective operation of measures to positively influence travel demand and to manage residual motorised traffic. Accordingly, any approved travel plan or traffic management plan would need to be routinely monitored by the Council. Funding would be required to this end, secured by planning obligations. These obligations would specify monitoring regimes involving robust data collection, periodic published reports, and review mechanisms. If a school street was implemented, an ongoing commitment to fund, and manage a school street during pick up and drop off times (covering all significant arrival and departure times at the school) would be necessary. Under the Town and Country Planning Act, the local planning authority cannot decide that a school street would be implemented. However, it is strongly recommended that such an arrangement should be put in place and legal agreement requires the applicant to fund consultation regarding introduction of a school street. If a school street is subsequently implemented under highways legislation, the applicant would have to pay the costs of implementation and the costs of ongoing operation/management of the school street. Highway improvements (footway widening) and changes to parking, waiting, and loading restrictions in the vicinity of the school would also be secured by a legal agreement. Subject to a legal agreement, Traffic Management Plan and Travel Plan conditions, the proposal to locate a 500-student school at this accessible (PTAL 6a) and generally lightly trafficked location would be consistent with NPPF paragraph 111, London Plan Policies T1 B, T2 D, T4 and Local Plan Policy CT1 and CR4. 6.104 Heads of terms for a planning agreement: 1. Travel plan funding mechanism to allow Council participation in a monitoring regime and a plan review mechanism. 2. School Street- A commitment to fund a consultation on a school street and, in the event a school street is implemented, a commitment to adequately staff and manage a school street for as long as it exists. 3. Traffic management plan funding mechanism to allow Council participation in a monitoring regime and a plan review mechanism. 4. Highway works (footway widening to a c.2m on the northern footway of St. Alban’s Grove between Victoria Road and Stanford Road and parking layout changes)…..”
“6.126 Given the constrained location of the application site, there is a criticality to the effective operation of measures to positively influence travel demand and to manage residual motorised traffic. Accordingly, any approved travel plan or traffic management plan would need to be routinely monitored by the Council. An ongoing commitment to fund, man and manage a school street- if implemented- during pick up and drop off times (covering all significant arrival and departure times at the school) would be necessary. So too are highway improvements (footway widening) and changes to parking, waiting, and loading restrictions in the vicinity of the school. The school street would ideally be implemented, however the travel management plan which should include the following: - Staggered school opening and closing times - Drop-off areas for children that are away from the school gate where pupils are received by teachers - Clearly defined ‘park and stride’ arrangement based on availability of parking in the area - Agreed vehicle routes to and from the school including no driving through or stopping along St Alban's Grove - School bus management - Details on how such arrangements will be enforced by the school and further details submitted with a travel plan would control and mitigate the impact of the new location of a larger school. Subject to these and other mitigations, listed below (section 7.1), the proposal to locate a 500-student school at this accessible (PTAL 6a) and generally lightly trafficked location would be consistent with NPPF paragraph 111, London Plan Policies T1 B, T2 D, T4 and Local Plan Policy CT1 and CR4.”