A planning application for the installation of electric car charging points at an Abbots Langley hotel has once again been refused.
Grade II listed Hunton Park, in conjunction with American electric vehicle giants Tesla, has long been embroiled in a battle to introduce charging points in the hotel car park.
An application for 16 electric vehicle charging ports and electrical substation with associated equipment was rejected by Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) in August 2021. Earlier this year, the request was reduced to 12 charging points, but TRDC rejected the application once again on October 27.
The Historic Environment Team on behalf of TRDC stated: “The proposed amendments are minor and do not go far enough to address previous concerns. The proposal would fundamentally alter the landscape character and the omission of four electric car charging spaces and alteration to the landscaping plan does not mitigate the harm previously identified.”
Hunton Park responded by arguing that the reduction of chargers is significant. As well as this, adjustments had been made in the proposal to address other issues. They pointed out that the access point has been moved from the middle of the driveway and redesigned to follow the existing driveway and the landscape plan has been redesigned, incorporating ecological enhancement.
TRDC’s decision notice stated: “The development causes harm to the significance of the Grade II listed building through the introduction of permanent and prominent structures.
“The development leads to less than substantial harm to the heritage asset. However, no public benefits have been demonstrated which would outweigh the harm.”
Hunton Park has been contacted for comment.
Picture credit Shutterstock
0 Comments