RE: More waste ...9 Mar 2024 06:44
The author, the council’s head of planning services, Michael Elkington, accepted that:
“The proposals would result in the continued retention of a site of an industrial character not wholly in keeping with its countryside location for a further two-years.”
But he said the site was not in a protected landscape, was “well-screened from public views” and was “temporary in nature”. He said “the potential for any negative impact on landscape character is largely limited”.
He also recommended that UKOG should be allowed to keep fencing, gates and cabins at Broadford Bridge until March 2026.
Mr Elkington said drilling and well testing at Broadford Bridge had been completed and no physical work was planned during the time extension, apart from plugging the well and restoring the site at the end of the two years. He said:
“The applications for an extension of time to enable further detailed evaluation/appraisal of the hydrocarbon resource are considered justified and would not give rise to unacceptable impacts on people or the environment.”
There would be no change to the scheme, he said, “rather a delay as to when it would be carried out”.
So that is £10m+ down the swanny.