Plans to convert a cottage in the Arboretum into a meeting area and horticultural centre were given the green light this week — despite not being able to get the views of a body overseeing national parks.

The application, submitted this year by Brick Verde Architectural Services on behalf of the Government, said it was hoped that the project would help to revitalise the Devonshire park.

While environmental groups argued that the recent disbanding of the National Parks Commission meant that the plans could not be approved as legislation required that the body be consulted, a planning officer said the plans could still get the go-ahead.

“Alternatively, the ministry responsible for national parks has been consulted, specifically the Department of Parks,” the officer wrote in a report to the DAB.

“As noted by the applicant, the role of the NPC is essentially advisory to the Minister of Public Works. Therefore, it is considered that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the relevant government entities responsible for national parks have been consulted.

“Fundamentally, it is the remit of the DAB, not the NPC, to determine planning applications, and it is not considered that the lack of feedback from a NPC specifically should prohibit or significantly delay the granting of planning permission.

“It is considered that the board may reasonably proceed with granting planning permission — subject to other considerations — on this basis. Concerns relating to the lack of appointment of a NPC should be directed to the Ministry of Public Works rather than the Department of Planning or the DAB.”

Download PDF File

P0065-23 DAB Report.pdf

The project includes additions and renovations to the existing Arboretum Cottage, along with asbestos abatement, a new greenhouse, two pergolas, a new covered veranda and a reconfiguration of the building’s interior.

The completed building would include a new reception area and bathrooms, along with an office, dining area, kitchenette and lodging rooms.

The DAB report said that while the proposed use would not directly enhance the public enjoyment of the park, it “clearly aligns with the function and purpose” of the park by offering horticultural training.

“The Arboretum is considered to be an ideal location for such a facility in that the work associated with the training would directly benefit the park, thereby indirectly enhancing its public enjoyment,” the officer added.

“The flexible nature of the proposed building is considered to be a particularly positive feature in terms of optimising how often it is used and providing a space which can be used by various groups.

“The proposal would also replace an existing nonconforming residential use which makes no positive contribution to the park.”

The report writer added that the proposal would rehabilitate a dilapidated, vacant building, recommending that planning approval be granted.

The application was formally approved at the DAB meeting on Wednesday.