Proposed modification to existing agricultural building to accommodate a biomass boiler, including flue.

The application was refused contrary to the case officer’s recommendation.

(Proposed modification to existing agricultural building to accommodate a biomass boiler, including flue.)

The Principal Planning Officer (PPO) gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr R Brook, of Marden Parish Council spoke in opposition to the scheme. 

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Guthrie, spoke on the application.

She made the following principal comments:

·        Marden was a rural village served by a small road network of unclassified and C class roads.  The applicant’s business had expanded and become industrialised rather than agricultural.  There was concern about the cumulative impact of more heavy goods vehicles on the road network.

·        The infrastructure in and around Marden could not cope. Residents were fed up with noise and traffic problems.

·        Leystone Bridge, grade 2* listed, had regularly been damaged by HGVs. When flooding closed one access route, Moreton on Lugg Bridge also grade 2* listed had to carry the traffic suffering the same risks.

·        The Parish Council did not consider the site to be appropriate for an industrial biomass boiler.  This would increase the industrialisation of the site.

·        She was concerned about the cumulative effect of emissions on air quality referring to the existing boilers and heat and power unit described in paragraph 1.2 of the report.  The Parish Council (PC) had highlighted in its representation that no data was available on the effect of emissions on local residents in adverse weather or wind directions. There must also be concern for the health of the workforce in and around the site. 

·        It was unclear how emissions would be reduced.  She questioned how transporting the woodchip into the site could be considered sustainable.

·        The PC had also noted that the applicant had stated that the deliveries would occur in the winter months.  However, there was concern that heating could be used at other times in the event of poor weather, exacerbating traffic, noise and pollution problems.

·        Residents of a nearby property, Woodbine House had been affected by noise. 

·        Noise from the boiler and heavy goods vehicles would also affect the three rivers bridleway presenting a particular danger to horse riders. 

·        There were a number of grounds for refusing the application:  the cumulative effect of increased traffic including damage to roads and the grade 2* bridges, the boiler stack being significantly higher than the other buildings, increased noise levels from machinery and traffic and potential harmful emissions having an adverse effect on nearby residents and workforce.  The proposal was contrary to Marden Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) policies M7 M10 and core strategy policies MT1 and RA6.  The development did not represent sustainable growth and was contrary to the environmental objective of the National Planning Policy Framework.  It did not protect and enhance the environment, improve biodiversity, or help to minimise waste and pollution.    It did not help climate change.  Residents and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6