New helicopter landing site at Basildon Golf Club Clay Hill Lane, Basildon

“Within Chapter 13 of the NPPF, paragraph 153 of the NPPF sets out that when considering any planning application, local planning authorities should ensure that substantial weight is given to any harm to the Green Belt, including harm to its openness. Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in Very Special Circumstances.”

“Paragraph 154 of the NPPF states that development in the Green Belt is inappropriate unless it meets one of the exceptions. The proposed development is not considered to meet any of the exceptions set out in paragraph 154, and as such would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt. However, in accordance with paragraph 153 of the NPPF, a Very Special Circumstances case has been put forward by the applicant which is considered in detail further below.”

“Environmental Health - No objections subject to conditions regarding construction hours, dust, no burning, land contamination, noise mitigation, and light impact assessment.”

“Neighbours/Third Party Representations - 108 neighbour consultations were sent to surrounding occupiers and the application advertised in the local paper along with site notices. No responses were received.”

“The officer explained that the hospital’s existing helipad had temporary planning permission to 2032 but was undersized and did not meet the latest regulatory safety and operational standards, including lighting. Members viewed a plan of the site, in the Green Belt, and site photos. The existing helipad would continue to be used during the construction period of the new helipad.”

“Members discussed the application, noting the Very Special Circumstances outweighing the harm to the Green Belt, the need to meet safety standards and the helipad’s role as essential emergency infrastructure.”

“That Planning Application No. 25/01438/FULL be granted planning permission subject to the completion of a Unilateral Undertaking to secure a Biodiversity Gain Plan for a period of 30 years and subject to the conditions set out in Section 8.0 of the report (with any amendments that might be necessary up to the issue of the decision notice).”