Farm access track at Silchester Road, Little London

“The application seeks full planning permission for the creation of a new farm track extending through a parcel of agricultural land from an existing vehicular access onto Silchester Road. The track would comprise parallel hardstanding wheel tracks with a central grassed strip. The development would be supported by tree planting to the north.”

“Planning permission is sought for an internal farm track on land west of Silchester Road to facilitate the internal movement of vehicles across the land. The proposed track would be approximately 181m long, with the width varying from approximately 2.7m to 3.4m, being widest when close to the main access off Silchester Road. The track would be sited at least 10m south of the river of Bow Brook (at the nearest point) and would be laid with type 1 aggregate.”

“The application site forms part of a 0.22 hectare agricultural unit that was previously part of the wider Berry Court Farm, but was later split from Berry Court Farm to form a separate land holding. The site is located to the west of Silchester Road and is positioned on land to the north of new residential…”

“The proposed track would be located within a large open agricultural field which extends west but also south behind the new dwellings. Part of the land owned by the applicant to the south and sitting within a separate parcel of land comprises a solar farm. To the north of the site is a mature hedgerow which demarcates the site to Bow Brook which is a main river.”

“The planning history for the site is set out below:”

“Reference Description Decision Date 24/00804/AGPD Creation of Farm Track adjoining existing hardstanding. Planning permission required 03.05.2024”

“No objections. Issue vii Environment Agency Initial comment – Objection in absence of a Flood Risk Assessment being submitted. Final comment – No objection following confirmation that no land raising is proposed. There are no flood risk concerns. Issue v…”

“Initial comment – Further information required to assess biodiversity implications. Interim comment – No objections subject to conditions and S106 agreement securing offsite BNG. Final Comment – No objection subject to condition. Issue iv…”

“The Committee considered the report set out on pages of 127 of 151 of the agenda with the further material set out on the addendum sheet and other matters discussed at the meeting.”

“The Committee discussed the proposed application and were content with the proposal.”

“RESOLVED that: the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions and informatives listed below.”

“The approved planting plans titled 'Proposed Planting Plan and Farm Track' received on 18 July 2025 and 13 June 2025 respectively shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the first use of the agricultural track hereby approved.”