Central Bedfordshire Council Planning Pages

Conditions or Reasons for Planning Application - CB/22/00548/MW

Conditions or Reasons:

1) The proposed development does not provide sufficient mitigation for, or compensate for, the significant ecological harm that would result from the displacement of ground nesting birds that use the site, principally with respect to Skylarks which are a priority species and species of principal importance as defined in section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. As such, the development does not accord with paragraphs 174 a), 174 d) and 180 a) of the National Planning Policy Framework. The proposed development also conflicts with Policy EE3 of the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan 2015 2035 (July 2021) as the scheme is not designed to prevent an adverse impact on protected species or species of principal importance. Furthermore, there is a conflict with Policy EE2 of the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan 2015 2035 (July 2021) as the scheme would impact on the strategic ecological network causing fragmentation or otherwise prejudicing its effectiveness.

2) The proposed development would have a significant adverse effect on the landscape character and visual amenity of the area when considered in the context of the approved Brogborough landfill restoration scheme. The proposed development does not respect, retain and enhance the character and distinctiveness of the local landscape, in line with guidelines in the Central Bedfordshire Landscape Character Assessment 2015 and specific documents for the Forest of Marston Vale and Greensand Ridge Nature Improvement Area. It is not considered that on-site landscape mitigation would be effective in reducing the landscape and visual harm of the proposed development. The application is therefore contrary to Policy EE5 of the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan 2015 2035 (July 2021). The application is also contrary to paragraph 174 a) of the National Planning Policy Framework in that it fails to protect and enhance valued local landscapes. It is further considered that the proposed development would not enhance or extend existing / committed green infrastructure and thus is not supported by Policy EE1 of the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan 2015 2035 (July 2021). Some sections of the new public rights of way to be dedicated as part of the approved landfill restoration scheme would become enclosed or partially enclosed within a fenced corridor surrounded by solar panels and associated infrastructure. This would result in a reduction in the quality of the green infrastructure at the site when compared with the approved landfill restoration scheme which makes provision for paths through open mosaic habitat and grassland with wider, open views.

3) The harms identified in reasons 1 and 2 above are considered to carry sufficient negative weight to outweigh the benefits of the proposed solar scheme in terms of the need and urgency to provide renewable energy capacity.

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