The site represents a roughly square area to the west of the existing post office and general store in Union Mills on the northern side of the A1 TT Course. The site is not presently used as it is separated from the retail site by existing vegetation and the garages at the rear of the shop are accessed without interfering with this. Access to this parking space is through a narrow gap alongside the shop and which used, is not ideal.
Proposed is the creation of a car park accessed via a new access off the main road with a new low stone wall alongside the site. This project involves the removal of eight trees alongside the road.
I am not aware of any water course which passes close to the site so I am unsure of DAFF's comments.
I have visited the site and viewed the trees from close by the site and further away. The trees in question are all covered in ivy and contribute little in the way of amenity value except for the greenery of the ivy at pedestrian level. The removal of the trees is regrettable but not unacceptable and the car park will provide a much-needed facility for the shop and possibly the church and church hall.
The removal of the trees will, however not provide the visibility splay required by DoT. It will improve the visibility but the car park will increase the amount of traffic using this access.
The visibility splay is affected by the kink in the road and the hedge between the car park and Skyryllin. The use of the access will increase, so it is not sufficient to rest on the improvements to the access to justify something which is not perhaps safe. The car park is unlikely to be used by patrons of the shop who are used to parking on the bus stops and nipping in and out quickly. As the number of spaces are limited to 11 less those taken up by staff, most people may be more inclined not to go in, be unable to find a space then go out again.
I am inclined to recommend refusal on the basis that the required visibility cannot be provided. Refusal should not be on the basis of the loss of trees however.
Recommendation
Recommended Decision: Refused
Date of Recommendation: 13.09.2005
Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal
C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal
: Notes attached to refusals
R 1.
Whilst the provision of off-road spaces to serve the shop is to be welcomed, the visibility which will be afforded to drivers of vehicles emerging from the new car park is inadequate and as such the new access is considered unsafe.
