Permission was granted for this development in December 2002. In February 2003 the Planning Sub Committee agreed to alter the approved hours to allow for use until 8pm on any 2 days in a period of 7 consecutive days, on a trial 12 month basis. As the operation only began in May 2005, that period has not yet expired. The current request is that the times allowed be relaxed. Although the general public would only be allowed to use it 9am to 6pm, (within the approved allowance), private functions could use it later into the evening. Whilst no complaints have been received during the trial period, 4 have been submitted since this Request was published in the JEP. These are all attached and note:- - No consultation with neighbours, - Additional traffic pollution, - Humming noise of karts and amplified music and unruly behaviour, causing disturbance, - Litter - Use has sometimes continued beyond midnight. The applicants have responded by a letter of 22 March, and a letter of support has been received from Jersey Hospitality Association, both attached. The Environmental Health Officer has raised no objections. As stated in the previous report of February 2003 the go-karts themselves are very quiet, but not silent, and with private functions there is likely to be noise from spectators. Given the quiet setting of this site and its adjoining neighbours, it is considered reasonable to control the hours of use. At the same time it is understood that this is potentially an excellent facility for the Island, and its viability will to some extent depend upon being able to be used for private functions. The Officers are concerned however at allowing the use into the evening, seven days a week, throughout the months of the year which allow it. The principles and issues remain the same. The objectors raise legitimate issues particularly if the use is to be undertaken 7 days a week without any restriction. With the exception of noting some activity on site until after midnight however, they do not highlight experience of problems with this use during its trial period. Given the arguments for and against the proposals it is concluded that some use should be allowed, but it should be limited. Given the lack of any objection from the Environmental Health Officer, it is considered that it would be unreasonable to at least deny continuation of the approved use to 8pm on any 2 days in 7. Indeed it would be reasonable to consider extending the number of days. It is not recommended however that the hours of use be extended. The use can only operate in daylight and in this location it is considered reasonable that the use finish at a reasonable time. |