RE: Loxley planning appeal website with timelines & representations.5 Mar 2021 11:17
Take your pick on why it was recommended.
"10. Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
10.1 This application seeks an extended well test for hydrocarbon development for up to 12 months, in addition to other short-term activities, at an existing site within the High Weald AONB.
10.2 The NPPF gives ‘great weight’ to the benefits of mineral extraction and national guidance notes that energy supplies should come from a variety of sources, including oil and gas. On balance, and taking account of the latest national energy policy, it is concluded that there is a need for the development to contribute to national energy security and supply.
10.3 With regard to the acceptability of the development in this sensitive location, it is considered that the application is for ‘major development’. Therefore, following an assessment in accordance with Policies M7 and M13 of the JMLP, it
has been concluded that there are exceptional circumstances and it is in the public interest for the application to be permitted.
10.4 As above, it considered that there is a national need for the development and, furthermore, there would be a benefit to the local economy. Although there are alternative sources of local and national supply, the operator is constrained by the extent of the PEDL area and it is considered the use of the site would represent an ‘acceptable environmental option’ when compared with developing a new site within the licenced area, which would be more expensive and with no guarantee of success.
10.5 The extended well test and associated activities have the potential to result in adverse impacts on the highway, local communities, landscape character and the local environment, issues that have been raised in the large number of objections to the application. Balcombe Parish Council has objected to the application, but no other statutory consultees have objected, subject to the imposition of conditions and having regard to relevant policy and guidance.
10.6 It is concluded that the number of vehicles required to carry out the development is not significant enough to raise concerns regarding highway capacity or road safety. Emissions from the development would be controlled through the planning regime as well as through the Environmental Permitting and health and safety regimes which would ensure that water quality would not be compromised and that emissions to air would be acceptable.
10.7 The High Weald AONB has the highest level of protection, with the NPPF directing authorities to give ‘great weight’ to conserving its landscape and scenic beauty, in addition to giving ‘great weight’ to the extraction of minerals. On balance, it is considered that the impact of the proposed development on the AONB, and the character of the area in general, would not be unacceptable."
+ another 3 reasons.
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