Agenda item

Conversion of agricultural land to wetland habitats with associated engineering works

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for Conversion of agricultural land to wetland habitats with associated engineering works at Land North East Of Ricknall Grange Farm, Ricknall Lane, Preston-le-Skerne (for copy see file of minutes).

C Harvey, Senior Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included a site location plan, aerial photographs, site photographs and proposed overall site plan.

He advised that an additional condition was proposed which had not been included in the report;

·      Prior to works commencing, an updated Construction Management Plan detailing the use of a banksmen along the proposed access route shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority

The Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the site photographs were taken in October and the Chair noted that this was a time susceptible to flooding.

In response to a query from Councillor Brown the Senior Planning Officer advised that he was not aware of any nearby wildlife corridors and there was a significant distance between this site and that of the previous application.

Councillor Brown highlighted that the site would not be accessible to the public and the Applicant advised that this site had no means to access as it was in between the A1 and the east coast mainland railway.  He advised that whilst the wider scheme had public access factored in, it had not been possible in this case.

Councillor Brown moved the recommendation to approve which was seconded by Councillor Hunt.

Councillor Elmer suggested that the work was of historic significance and importance and the decision represented the return of a particular habitat which had been lost for so long.  He was delighted with the scheme and suggested that the Council should encourage some media interest in.

In response to a question from Councillor Bell the Senior Planning Officer advised that the scrapes were shallow with a maximum depth of 50cm to attract particular types of birds that fed on those areas

Resolved

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions in the report and;

·      Prior to works commencing, an updated Construction Management Plan detailing the use of a banksmen along the proposed access route shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.