Agenda item

Naburn Lock, York Road, Naburn, York, YO19 4RU [18/02552/FUL]

Hydroelectric generation plant and associated infrastructure including turbine house, hydraulic channels, intake screen, crane pad and electrical substation [Wheldrake Ward] [Site Visit]

Minutes:

Members considered a full application from Ewan Campbell-Lendrum for a hydroelectric generation plant and associated infrastructure including turbine house, hydraulic channels, intake screen, crane pad and electrical substation at Naburn Lock, York Road, Naburn, York.

 

Officers updated Members on the application, noting additions to condition 2 drawing numbers, a minor report spelling clarification and the applicant’s response to the objections raised. It was noted that the additional information had been assessed and the planning balance and the recommendation are unchanged from the published report. 

 

Officers were asked and noted that:

·        The Canal and River Trust was the land owner.

·        There was no direct evidence of otters in the area.

·        The grid connection was a matter of discussion between the applicant and grid provider.

·        The fish harbour allows the fish to go upstream and there was already a fish pass on the weir. The design in the application was an improved design.

·        The timescale for the hydroelectric generation plant could not be shortened through the planning process.

·        The agent for the applicant stated that the size of the hydroelectric generation plant was optimal.

 

Resolved: That the application be approved subject to the following amendment to condition 2:

 

Condition 2

Add the following drawing numbers:

1.           2350005 – Development Boundary

2.           ARBTECH TPP01 Rev A – Tree Protection Plan

 

Reason:

 

                     i.        Naburn Lock is located on the River Ouse in a rural location to the south of Naburn village. The construction of the locks (in 1757 and 1888) has created an island upon which is located the workshops, stores and offices associated with the operation and maintenance of the lock. Directly to the east lies the Naburn Banqueting House, a Grade II listed building, together with the lock keeper's house. The locks themselves are separately listed at Grade II. Planning permission is sought for construction of a hydroelectric generating plant together with associated infrastructure on the western bank of the island.

 

                    ii.        The proposal would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt which is by definition harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved other than in very special circumstances. However, it is considered that the impact of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt would be mitigated by the characteristics of the locality and its setting adjacent to Naburn Lock. Whilst the proposal represents a relatively small scale project, Central Government guidance in the NPFF makes it clear that local planning authorities should recognise that even small-scale projects provide a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and approve the application if its impacts are (or can be made) acceptable. With this in mind, and bearing in mind the nature of the location and characteristics of the application site, it is considered that very special circumstances exist that clearly outweigh the harm to the Green Belt.  No other harms have been identified arising from the proposal.

 

    iii.            In terms of the previously identified significant concerns relating to harm to local habitat and biodiversity the proposal has been amended in detail and additional information provided which allows for the previously identified harm to the habitat of the ocean and river lamprey to be effectively mitigated and harm to the habitat of the sand martin and tansy beetle avoided altogether subject to any permission being properly conditioned. Subject to conditions, no objections are raised by the Environment Agency or Natural England, or by the Council`s Ecologist. In accordance with paragraph 154 of the NPPF relating to renewable energy projects, it is considered that the impacts of the proposal can be made acceptable through the imposition of appropriate conditions, and the application is recommended for approval.

Supporting documents:

 

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