Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer on a change of use of woodland to a Go Ape high ropes course with an associated reception cabin at Temple Newsam Park, Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, LS15 0AE

 

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Planning Officer set out a proposal for the change of use of woodland to a Go Ape high ropes course with associated reception cabin at Temple Newsam Park, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds.

 

It was noted that the planning application was brought to Plans Panel as the proposed development was a major application and related to land in the City Council’s ownership (Temple Newsam Estate) which was of a wider community interest.

 

This application seeks planning permission for the use of a portion of woodland known as Menagerie Wood, to accommodate the installation of high rope adventure courses. The Panel noted this revised scheme did not cross public rights of way.

 

The Panel was informed that the courses comprised of a number of elements which included a central platform with access stairs, stockades and access rope ladders, platforms on trees, timber and wire crossings, zip wires and zip wire landing zones. A brief explanation of the activity was provided to the Panel. It was noted that the facility would provide activities for both adults and children.

 

Members were informed that the facility was to include a cabin which would be used as a reception, equipment store and office for staff. The cabin was to be sited at the southern end of the site. It was noted that to accommodate the cabin four trees would have to be removed. Members were also informed that another smaller shelter would be used for debriefing and shelter from the weather.

 

The Panel was informed that Go Ape would use the current car park and that this had recently been improved and could accommodate more cars.

 

Members were advised of a suggestion to use Pump Wood located to the west of Temple Newsam house.

 

Members were informed that the activities on offer required mature trees and that there would be no impact on the trees. It was noted by the Panel that a condition was to be added for further tree planting to the north of the site.

 

Members noted that the applicant, Adventure Forest Ltd – Go Ape, had been operating similar facilities for 15 years and had 31 sites across the country. This would be the first such site in West Yorkshire. Photographs were shown to the Panel of the other locations, the structures and the activities on offer.

 

Members were informed that ladders used to ascend the course were pulled up and locked when the facility was closed.

 

Members were advised of the following:

·  The site was within a designated Green Belt;

·  It was not considered that the facility would harm the character or the appearance of the Special Landscape Area;

·  The facility would generate additional revenue from attracting additional visitors and would assist in the delivery of management and improvement projects at the Temple Newsam Estate;

·  The heritage impact was acceptable when weighed against the mitigation measures to be adopted.

 

Mr Vosper an objector to the Go Ape scheme and a member of Friends of Temple Newsam Park attended the meeting.

 

Mr Vosper raised his concerns that Menagerie Wood was an inappropriate site for this scheme, he proposed that Pump Wood would be more appropriate for the following reasons:-

·  Traffic issues would be alleviated

·  Car parking in place

·  Cabin could be located on hardstanding already there

·  No trees would need to be felled

·  Near to toilet block

·  Not near memorial areas or walled garden

 

Mr Vosper advised the Panel that the Friends of Temple Newsam had met with Ben Davies and discussed using Pump Wood as the location for the venture.

 

Mr Vosper was of the opinion that Go Ape wanted to dominate the park and gardens and in his view the park and gardens should not be compromised for commercial gain.

 

In response to a Members question Mr Vosper was of the view that the report did not properly reflect the concerns of the Friends of Temple Newsam or the discussions that had taken place with Mr Davies.

 

Mr Davies addressed the Panel explaining why he thought Go Ape would be good for the park and the area.

 

Mr Davies said that he would work in partnership with Leeds City Council to retain heritage value, care for conservation and the Park. He went on to say that the shelter would be for all users of the park, the scheme would encourage people to live life adventurously.

 

Mr Davies informed the Members that he would work to make the activities affordable for all and would provide free places for schools and low income families.

 

Mr Davies said that they had decided not to go ahead with an application at Roundhay Park.

 

Mr Davies advised Members that he had worked with officers to address concerns of noise.

 

Members discussed the following points:-

·  The need for a site visit;

·  Impact on trees in Menagerie Wood;

·  Facilities including toilets and car parking and proximity to Menagerie Wood;

·  Conservation aspects including impact on animal and insect habitats

·  Design and location of cabin;

·  Health, social and economic benefits;

·  Partnership working with Parks and Countryside Team and Friends of Temple Newsam;

·  More information on objections raised.

 

In response to Members discussions and questions the Panel were advised of the following:-

·  Four trees would be removed for the cabin, these trees would be used as part of the design feature on landing platforms, pathways and wood piles for insect habitats;

·  The activities on offer were daytime only activities;

·  Menagerie Wood was close to car parking and toilet facilities;

·  Go Ape worked in various locations around the country including inner city areas and had not experienced issues of anti-social behaviour;

·  Trees would be protected and monitored for damage and growth – Members were informed that the use of ‘sacrificial battons’ protected the trees from damage whilst still allowing the tree to grow, the trees would be monitored on a yearly basis;

·  No mechanical noise as pulleys were used which did make small noise vibration. A new type of wire was used which was much quieter;

·  An alternative location did not form part of the application and the application should be considered based on the information submitted.

 

Mr Davies informed the Panel that he was committed to partnership working with Parks and Countryside and also Friends of Temple Newsam.

 

Members discussed further the need for a site visit.

 

RESOLVED – To defer consideration of the application for one cycle to allow for a site visit.

 

Members also requested a fuller summary of the objections to be included in the next report to Panel.

 

A condition to be added to the suggested list of conditions to secure additional tree planting to the north of the site.