Agenda item

Construction of a replacement Kitchen building with associated external works and part demolition of an existing building (as amended by additional supporting information received in July and August and September 2021 relating to bats, newts, biodiversity, noise, odour, lighting and energy).

The committee considered application P21/S2106/FUL for the construction of a replacement kitchen building with associated external works and part demolition of an existing building (as amended by additional supporting information received in July and August and September 2021 relating to bats, newts, biodiversity, noise, odour, lighting and energy) at HMP Huntercombe, Huntercombe Place, Nuffield.

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting.

Planning officer reported that the committee was being asked to consider the application as Nuffield Parish Council had objected to it. He reported that the existing kitchen was not suitable for the present inmate population and was in poor physical condition. The development would be within the area of the existing buildings and would have no visual impact. The proposed building would be 25m. from the nearest neighbouring properties, and at least 30m. from any other neighbour. The proposal had no outward looking windows. The planning officer reported on concerns regarding neighbours’ amenity, namely noise and smell issues. The council’s environmental protection team had raised no objection to the proposal, as it was satisfied that an acceptable odour system could be put in place in the kitchen. The team also considered that proposed noise mitigation measures were appropriate. The countryside officer had considered that the proposed development was acceptable, subject to the requirement for some planting to obtain a biodiversity net gain. There was no objection from any of the other technical officers.

Mr. David Redhouse, the Governor of HMP Huntercombe, spoke in support of the application.

The committee noted that the existing kitchen was small and in poor physical condition; it catered for 480 people, though it was designed for 240. The facility suffered from condensation and mould owing to an inadequate ventilation system, and no floor drainage. This was the only site suitable for vehicular access and connectivity with secure areas and important buildings. The former kitchen would be converted to a multi-faith room, and the inadequate existing chapel would be demolished. It was noted that the prison valued its relationship with the residents of Bradley Road and regularly interacted with it. Noise would only be evident during the working day; it would not be possible to open the kitchen’s windows and food deliveries would be limited to or three or four per week.

In response to a question regarding possible alternative sites at HMP Huntercombe, Mr. Redhouse responded there were no options for sites outside the secure perimeter, owing security of inmate and food safety concerns.

In response to a question regarding possible noise created by glass bottles being deposited in the bins close to boundaries and neighbours, Mr. Redhouse reported that bins were placed on the opposite side of the kitchen and far away from residents, no glass was permitted in the prison, and all drinking and food containers were plastic. Rubbish bins were regularly compacted and there was a refuse collection every week.

Councillors Lorraine Hillier and Jo Robb, the local ward councillors, spoke in support of the application.

The committee considered that a new kitchen was badly required at HMP Huntercombe and that its concerns regarding the amenity of residents had been satisfactorily answered. The committee was therefore minded to grant planning permission.

A motion moved and seconded, to grant planning permission was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to grant planning permission for application P21/S2106/FUL, subject to the following conditions;

1 : Commence the development within three years of the date of permission.

2 : Development to be implemented in accordance with plans submitted.

3 : Development to be built using external materials as demonstrated on

     plan/documentation.

4 : Development to be carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions of newt licence.

5 : All surface water drainage measures to be implemented in accordance   with details submitted.

6 : All carbon reduction energy efficiency measures to be implemented as per

     approved Energy Statement.

7 : Details of noise and odour control techniques from the kitchen extraction

     units to be submitted and approved – including details of maintenance.

8 : All plant, machinery and equipment shall be installed, maintained and

operated so as to ensure that the rating noise level from the equipment shall be at least 5 dB below the pre-existing background noise.

9 : Development to be implemented in accordance with requirements of Odour Risk Assessment.

10: Landscaping scheme to ensure the creation of new biodiversity

habitats/biodiversity net gain on site in accordance with biodiversity matrix, to be submitted and agreed.

11 : All new external lighting shall be designed and installed so the main beam angle is not directed towards any receptors.