Lychgate Planning Statement
1. Planning History
Current planning approvals relevant to this application are:-
- A new pedestrian access via steps to the Cathedral grounds which has been approved as part of the planning approval for the renovation of Corrin Hall (Planning Ref: 10/01814/B)
- New car parking facilities have been approved as part of the planning approval for the landscaping of the Cathedral grounds (Planning Ref: 11/00023/GB & 11/00024/CON)
2. Current Planning Application
This application is for modifications to the approved pedestrian access to provide a lychgate structure. A separate design brochure, prepared by Broadbent Studio, accompanies this application and details the design philosophy for the lychgate.
The lychgate will incorporate facilities for a new bus shelter that replaces the existing shelter on Derby Road. The design proposals have been discussed with the Regeneration Committee and supports the upgrading works currently proposed for Derby Road (Planning application: 13/00236/B)
The application for the lychgate also incorporates a new ramped access to Corrin Hall to provide a formal procession up to the car park, hall and Cathedral.
The approved car park has also been modified slightly so that it will gently grade down towards the new pedestrian access. At present the existing levels are higher than the pavement level and so parked cars would be clearly visible along Derby Road and detract from the design of the lychgate. Lowering the levels slightly, by approximately 400mm next to lychgate, and the addition of screen planting will reduce the visual impact of the parked cars on the lychgate and streetscape.
In forming the car park, 4no. small trees (Whitebeam & Flowering Cherry) will be removed. These are to be replaced with 18no. evergreen oak trees (Quercus Ilex) along the full length of the Derby Road boundary. The removal of the trees has been agreed with the Forestry Department.
Overall the proposal provides an uncluttered and dramatic entrance to the Cathedral grounds and acts as a focal point to this civic area.
