Full planning approval for Whitwell Station venue

Planning approval has been granted to the Whitwell and Reepham Railway Preservation Society to erect a permanent building to replace the temporary marquee, which is currently used for social events including Steam Sundays, weddings and meetings of the Reepham Young Farmers Club.
 

 
The planning application was submitted to Broadland District Council by Stephen Moore Architectural Services of Costessey, agent for the owner, One Way Circuits Executive Pension Scheme and applicant Mike Urry.
 
The permanent structure, described as being of brick and tile, will be 23 square metres larger than the existing marquee, providing a venue of 218 square metres.
 
The roof is to be of slate and the exterior white, using materials to be agreed. The double-door acoustic lobby is intended to help resolve any concerns regarding noise at the venue. There is existing parking for 50 cars and 20 bicycles, which will remain the same. No additional external lighting is proposed.
 
In support of the application, it was stated: “The station site is an important local tourist attraction and therefore important to the local economy.
 
“The current application effectively seeks to provide a permanent solution on the site by way of providing a new purpose-built building to hold similar functions as those previously undertaken.
 
“The erection of a [permanent building] will enhance the range of facilities which can be undertaken at the site, and will also have some benefits in terms of providing a purpose-built structure with the potential to result in an environmental/amenity gain.”
 
There are several conditions attached to the planning permission approval: the development is to begin within three years and during performances of live or recorded music all windows and doors shall remain closed.
 
Further, noise from amplified or live music shall not exceed the existing background noise level by more than 3 decibels at any time, taking measurements at the boundary to the nearest residential property.
 
The development is outside the settlement limit of Reepham.
 
In its decision, Broadland planners felt the building “will be a visual improvement upon the existing marquee and although larger in size it is considered to be both in scale and character with the existing buildings on site.
 
“Given its remote location there should also be no adverse impact on the amenity of any nearby properties. The development is not considered to be overbearing, there will be no overlooking issues and the residential amenity of neighbours will be maintained.
 
“The building will not cause any adverse visual impact or any detrimental impact on the wider character of the area or the adjacent county wildlife site. It is considered that the proposal will help to support economic growth in the area.”
 
Karen Brockman
 

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