Local nature reserve at Land South Of Nevendon Road, Nevendon Road, Wickford

“This report assesses the Planning Application 25/00551/FULL, which seeks full planning permission for the change of use of land south of Nevendon Road, Wickford, to establish a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). The proposal includes public access, informal footpaths, landscaping and biodiversity enhancements such as pond creation and habitat management.”

“The application site comprises 13.8 hectares of partly degraded grazing land with scrub that is currently heavily grazed with trees along the boundaries and within the site. Prior to this, the site was in agricultural use up until approximately 2001. Part of the site has been used for the informal grazing of horses.”

“To the south of the site is Nevendon Washlands Nature Reserve, Local Wildlife Site (Ba55). Nevendon Washlands supports a diverse mosaic of habitats that demonstrably support species of significance.”

“Consultation responses have raised no objections subject to appropriate planning conditions and obligations. Key matters including flood risk, archaeology, inclusive access and long-term ecological management will be secured through conditions and a Section 106 agreement.”

“The proposal is considered to accord with national and local planning policy and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure biodiversity net gain and long-term stewardship of the nature reserve.”

“The key considerations were identified as the principle of development in the Green Belt, impact on the character of the landscape, impact on residential amenity, access and highway safety, flood risk and Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS), ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), archaeology, designing out crime and infrastructure and S106 contributions.”

“The proposal was considered to constitute appropriate development of the Green Belt under paragraph 154 (b) and (h) of the NPPF, enhancing ecological value and supporting strategic green infrastructure. While part of the site was in flood zones 1, 2 and 3, the proposal was water compatible in accordance with the NPPF. The proposal represented a BNG enhancement, with 72% net gain in habitat units and 20% watercourse units.”

“As the applications had been taken together, the Chairman proceeded to the vote.”

“KEY: F = In Favour A = Against - = Abstain O = Not present for vote • = Casting vote in favour = Casting vote against…”

“That Planning Application No. 25/00551/FULL be granted conditional planning permission, including the completion of a S106 agreement to secure a nature reserve management plan and the maintenance and monitoring of the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan for a period of 30 years, payment of the Local Planning Authority’s professional and legal fees and the cost of monitoring associated with the completion of the S106 legal agreement, as set out in Section 5.10 of the report and…”