Building siting variation at Marches Biogas Limited Biodigester Station, Ludlow

“The proposal involves a minor revision to the siting of the approved building for feedstock and drying, moving it approximately 2 metres further eastwards from that approved under 25/02622/AMP, together with amended internal access arrangements from Shropshire Council-owned land to the south and the removal of a 3m high wall associated with feedstock tip handling.”

“The applicant advises the revised siting of the building and creation of a southern internal access is required due to unexpected practical and safety constraints identified during the implementation, including difficulties in safely installing wall and roof panels without removing existing infrastructure, and the presence of a main sewer to the east of the approved footprint.”

“The site lies within the Ludlow Business Park at Coder Road and comprises previously developed land with existing operational infrastructure. The revised siting of the building and internal access remains within the developed portion of the site and does not extend development beyond the established site boundary or into undeveloped land.”

“Implications for the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan 6.2.1 The key distinction between this application and the earlier non-material amendment application is that the Biodiversity Gain Plan has been discharged in the intervening period. Whilst the scale of the proposed changes to block plan are minor, the amended layout interacts with the approved biodiversity enhancement land to the south of the site.”

“The principle of development has already been established by Committee, and the proposed Section 73 variation is required solely to allow the practical delivery of the approved scheme. The amendment is modest in extent, justified by operational constraints on site, continues to provide the required 10% biodiversity net gain, and would not result in any undue harm in respect of trees, highways or neighbour amenity.”

“SC Ecology – (02/04/26) No objection. The BNG assessment submitted continues to maintain a net gain on site and there are no ecological implications to the proposed variation.”

“Ludlow Town Council - (25/03/26) No objection.”

“The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application which was an application for the variation of Condition No. 2 attached to permission 25/00309/FUL dated 27 March 2025 and with reference to the drawings and photographs displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the to the location and layout.”

“Members considered the amendments to be minor and acceptable.”

“That in accordance with Officer recommendation planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1”

“The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved wildlife enhancement measures and external lighting plan approved under 25/04324/DIS. Any further changes to the locations of the external lighting shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“Notwithstanding that previously approved under 25/00006/DIS, the development shall be carried out in full accordance with the Biodiversity Gain Plan and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) submitted with this application and hereby approved.”