Disappointing response from the Vale

Dear Mrs Crutchley,

With reference to your correspondence regarding the removal of the heritage lighting columns, I can confirm that these columns have been assessed and are considered structurally and/ or electrically unsafe and therefore, to maintain adequate and safe lighting provision in the areas affected, they are being replaced with standard steel street lighting columns with LED lanterns in line with the Council’s street lighting energy strategy. I would confirm that planning permission or conservation consent is not required for the works that have been undertaken as the replacement of lamp standards is specifically permitted by part 12 A of the General Permitted Development Order 1995.

As you will appreciate, it is generally the case that the old traditional cast iron columns generally found within the Penarth Conservation area are difficult and mostly impossible to obtain on a like for like basis. It is also the case that the existing lanterns  found on such cast iron columns is not compatible with the switch to LED lighting which forms part of the Council’s street lighting energy reduction strategy approved by Cabinet in October 2014. For these reasons, the retention and refurbishment of the existing street lights is generally not an option available to the Council.

Whilst there are certain replica street lighting columns available on the market, it is not generally possible to obtain replicas of a compatible character and style to that of the old columns and the use of a standardised pastiche lighting columns is not considered acceptable for environmental reasons. It is also the case that the purchase of such replica or ornamental columns comes at a premium cost which is regrettably outside the available budgets for highways maintenance works at the present time given current budget constraints placed on the Council.

The Council will endeavour, whenever practicable, to take reasonable and affordable steps to maintain the quality, character and appearance of the Penarth Conservation area when undertaking planned highway works.   

I hope the above information is helpful and adequately explains the situation regarding replacement of cast iron street lighting columns, however, if you have any comments or queries I will be happy to assist.

Kind Regards

Colin Chorley
Team Leader / Uwch Swyddog Technegol
Visible Services and Transport / Gwasanaethau Gweledig a Thrafnidiaeth
Vale of Glamorgan Council / Cyngor Bro Morgannwg