Timber storage and chipping at Treborough, Watchet

“The site lies within the Enclosed Farmed Hills with Commons landscape character type of the Landscape Character Assessment of Exmoor (2018). It encompasses a roughly rectangular area of land, which is part of the wider field, alongside the B3224.”

“The CHP plant was approved planning permission in 2016 under application reference 6/35/16/102. The machinery of the CHP is expected to reach the end of its serviceable life within the next 10 years. Therefore, the CHP plant will cease operation, at which time the timber storage and chipping operations would cease. The two previous planning applications that were refused permission for timber storage and wood chipping are material considerations.”

“Representations Total – Objections Total – Support Total – No Objections 0 0 0 Summary of comments: N/a Planning Context EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK LOCAL PLAN 2011 - 2031 GP1 Achieving National Park Purposes and Sustainable Development GP3 Spatial Strategy GP4 The Efficient Use of Land and Buildings CE-S1 Landscape and Seascape Character CE-D1 Protecting Exmoor’s Landscapes and Seascapes CE-S2 Protecting Exmoor’s Dark Night Sky CE-S3 Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure CE-S4…”

“EXM/26/068/FULL Location: Land adjoining B3224 at Treborough Common, Treborough, Watchet Proposed temporary change of use of agricultural land for timber storage and associated wood chipping operations, including a defined operational area, maximum stack height of 3.5 metres, and associated temporary works (10 year permission) The Committee considered the report of the Head of Climate, Nature & Communities.”

“It was noted that the development had already taken place, that there was sufficient space at the site for vehicles associated with the development to park and turn without conflicting with the flow of traffic on the road, and that there was no requirement for electric vehicle charging.”

“The development hereby approved including the timber storage, wood chipping operations, crushed stone and fencing shall be removed and the land reinstated to its former condition by 6 May 2036, unless a further planning permission is granted by the Local Planning Authority.”

“The roadside hedge to the south of the application site, and on the northern side of the B3224, for the full length of the application site, shall be maintained at a height of no less than 4 metres above ground level. It shall not be topped, lopped, failed or laid below 4 metres above ground level for the duration of this planning permission.”