Councillor Eleanor Laming
District Member
Comment Date: Tue 30 Jul 2024
Thank you for your letter notifying me of the submission of this revised planning application (BA/2024/0235/FUL).
In my view, this new application addresses the main reasons for refusing approval in the first submission (BA/2022/0017/FUL) which then went to appeal and was dismissed.
The site is located in an area where protected sites are currently in an unfavourable condition in relation to nitrate and phosphate pollution. The Nutrient Neutrality Statement (September 2022) for the previous application with overnight accommodation states in paragraph 2.3.2 that the total expected nutrient loads represent a very minor increase on those experienced prior to the proposed development. This revised application does not include overnight accommodation, so the expected nutrient load to arise from the proposed development would be no greater than currently exists (NPPF 15).
The yurt does not have an adverse impact on the visual appearance of the surrounding area. This was stated by the inspector in the appeal decision (APP/E9505/W/23/3321331). Neither does it have a detrimental impact on the enjoyment of neighbouring land. The design is satisfactory, having a low energy impact, and the work being carried out helps to conserve and enhance the landscape characteristics of the Broads. It therefore complies with policies DM16, DM43 and DM50, NPPF 157.
This development is on a Flood 3b flood plain. It is being used for conservation of nature and promotion of biodiversity in an area adjacent to a river. The proposed use is compatible with working on a flood plain. No one will be residing on the site overnight. A condition could be secured to restrict overnight accommodation should this proposal be agreed. The development is needed for storage of equipment for daytime use for conservation purposes. The work that is being carried out is valuable in terms of increasing biodiversity on the site and for helping to educate people about the importance of this. Supporting documents giving detail on animal and plant species have been provided in conjunction with an ecological management plan. It would not be possible to realistically store the equipment needed on an alternative site. It therefore complies with Policies DM5, NPPF 163,186). A flood warning and evacuation plan has also been submitted to support the proposal.
The development on this site provides a range of benefits which are social (provision of educational activities, increasing connection of people to nature), economic (employment potential) and environmental (increasing biodiversity, protection of the landscape, new habitat creation).
I support this planning application on the basis that it meets the policies mentioned in my comments above and has addressed the main reasons for refusal in the first application and the appeal dismissal.
I would therefore like to ask that if the planning officer is minded to refuse this application under a delegated decision, it is called to the Broads Authority planning committee for consideration.
I support this planning application on the basis that it meets the policies mentioned in my comments above and has addressed the main reasons for refusal in the first application and the appeal dismissal.
I would therefore like to ask that if the planning officer is minded to refuse this application under a delegated decision, it is called to the Broads Authority planning committee for consideration.
Ms Broads Society (Supports)
Comment submitted date: Mon 05 Aug 2024
Members of the Society have previously met with the applicants on site to view the work already carried out and to discuss the future management plans for its long term restoration. The commitment of the applicants to the beneficial ecological restoration of the site and their deep knowledge of the local eco-system, habitats and bio-diversity potential of the site was evident at the meeting. The plot is clearly NOT a 'leisure plot' and the provision of the yurt on site (along with existing structures already benefittng from planning permission) is clearly required to effectively manage the site, particularly as the applicants do not live locally. The site is an exemplar of what can be achieved by knowledge, hard work and commitment and the applicants should be applauded for what they have already achieved in such a short space of time. The Society also notes that it is the intention to use the site for managed educational activities which can do nothing but have a positive impact on the environmental knowledge and understanding of local school children and students. Furthermore, the provision of the yurt has absolutely no detrimental visual impact on this part of the Broads as it is so well screened to be invisible from any external viewpoint (both water based and land based).
For the above reasons, the Society has no hesitation in supporting this proposal which it feels complies fully with OBJ4 and Policies SP6 and DM13 of the current Broads Local Plan.
Mr Henry Cator (Supports)
Comment submitted date: Mon 22 Jul 2024
I write in support of the retrospective consent for the installation of a yurt on a small, raised platform in use for conservation management work and ancillary external works; with no overnight accommodation.
The conservation work being carried out at Blackwater Carr by Mr & Mrs Hooper is exemplary and is providing a unique record of the species, flora and fauna on this small area of Broadland. The yurt is fundamental to the ongoing management and recording of data on the site.
I hope that you will approve this planning application.
Comments