August 2021

Draft notes of a meeting of the Environment committee held at the Bracebridge Heath Community Library on 16th August 2021 at 19:00

Present: Cllrs Blackmore, Broad, Manders, Smith and Trought.

In attendance:  Mrs S Knowles – Clerk to Council. Cllrs Barr and Callan were in attendance.            

           No members of public were present.

1. To consider apologies and accept valid reasons for absence – It was RESOLVED: That apologies from Cllr Walker be accepted.

2. To receive members’ declarations of disclosable pecuniary, non-disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in relation to any agenda item – Nil

3. To confirm the minutes of the Environment committee held on 19th July 2021 - It was RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 19th July 2021 be approved and signed as a true copy by the chairman.

4. To consider planning applications –

The order of business was changed for items 4a and 4b. The committee considered all other planning applications first.

a. All other planning applications

21 0989 HOUS - 2 Ermine Court – No comments or objections

21 1114 PNH - 82 Sycamore Grove – No comments or objections

b. Application 21/0966/FUL – Telephone mast on the Bracebridge Heath Recreation Ground -  It was RESOLVED: That Council strongly objects to planning application 21/0966/FUL on the following grounds:

• Power to mast – Further information is required regarding the electricity supply to a permanent mast in this location. The application at this point is incomplete as it does not address how an electricity supply will be provided.
• Incompatible use - The recreation ground is used for a number of sporting activities (tennis, bowls, football, multiple sports within the Multi Use Games Area), it contains a play park designed for young children, and the green space is regularly used by dog walkers and families enjoying picnics. The regular maintenance of a temporary mast in this location has resulted in vehicles needing to drive over the grounds right next to the above facilities. Council does not consider that access to the mast over the recreational space is compatible with its existing uses on the grounds of disturbance and also that of safety.
• Incompatible with the draft Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Plan - Policy 16 of the draft plan should be noted:

Access to a network of high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important to the health and wellbeing of Bracebridge Heath residents. Any proposal to reduce or change the use of recreation or playing field space within Bracebridge Heath parish will be refused unless:

• the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or
• the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.

• Inadequate landscaping and means of enclosure – the lack of means of enclosing the base station and preventing access by children and young people is problematic. Linked to the site being incompatible with the existing use as a recreation ground, it is clear from the temporary site that there are issues of safety in siting a mast in this location. The fencing has been breached since being in this location and has required further maintenance from the telecoms operator which has exacerbated the issue of disturbance.
• Pre-planning consultation – WHP Telecoms initiated a pre-planning consultation in mid-June 2021. The Council responded to this asking for more information and an opportunity to hold a public meeting. This has not been carried out and no further correspondence has been sent to the Parish Council. The documents sent to the Parish Council include reference to a consultation strategy as part of the pre-planning consultation. Despite being requested, it has never been made available. Council considers that the pre-planning consultation for this proposal has been wholly inadequate particularly given the impact the proposal would have on nearby residents and users of the recreation ground. The application for planning consent was signed on 19th June 2021, just four days after the initial contact with the Parish Council. There was clearly insufficient time for WHP Telecoms to engage in a meaningful consultation with affected parties. 
• Alternative sites – Parish Council has also been approached by Waldon Telecoms Ltd who are also working on behalf of EE and Three to secure a site. The pre-planning consultation document received by the Council indicates that the preferred site for Waldon is beside the Esso garage on Sleaford Road. This site had been discounted by WHP Telecoms on the grounds that there was insufficient space for the equipment. However, it is the preferred location for Waldon on behalf of the same operators (EE and Three). Council therefore considers that there are reasonable and more compatible alternatives to the recreation ground which should be considered first before the site on the recreation ground.
• Ownership and permissions – Parish Council is the leaseholder for the recreation ground. Consent has not been given for this proposal and the terms of any such proposal have not been discussed.
• Inaccurate information contained within the application – The structure is within 3km of an aviation operator including RAF Waddington and the Air Ambulance Helipad.

Parish Council appreciates that mobile infrastructure is essential for our communities. However, given that an alternative site has been identified by a separate contractor, Council feels that the benefits of installing replacement telecoms infrastructure can be achieved in a more suitable location nearby.

5. To consider a response a response to the consultation for the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan – It was RESOLVED: That the committee submit the following comments:

Council supports Policy 6 and Policy 7– Reducing Energy Consumption

The inclusion of climate change technologies and measures is welcomed. The emphasis on generating renewable electricity on site and preventing the use of fossil fuel is supported.

Council is neutral on Policy S52 – Design and Amenity

Council notes that the distances previously included within the Local Plan to prevent the coalescence of settlements has been removed. Whilst there is a reliance on the Lincoln SEQ Concept Plan and Design Code to prevent this coalescence it is hoped that that this doesn’t result in a reduction of space and buffer zones between existing and new settlements.

Council is neutral on Policy S60 – Biodiversity opportunity and delivering measurable net gains

Whilst the council is supportive of net increases in biodiversity, it is felt that the introduction of offsetting schemes could be detrimental to some sites. The commitment to ongoing management, monitoring and reporting for new or improved habitats is welcomed as this will ensure longevity of any scheme.  Council does have concerns however, that local councils may not have the staff and infrastructure in place to meet the requirement for monitoring habitats across the county and ensure that these standards are upheld.

6. Items for the agenda of the next committee meeting – Street furniture, removal of tree stump in woodland walk, tree preservation orders.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 19:37

Signed_______________________________Chairman                                                                        20th September 2021