Flood management area at Chequers Lane, Dunham on Trent

What was proposed

The application proposed excavating and exporting soil, reprofiling land, creating a new access, reinstating vegetation and providing flood storage.

“Application Reference 24/01471/FUL Site Address Land Southwest Of Church Laneham, Chequers Lane, Dunham On Trent, Nottinghamshire Proposal Proposed Development of a Compensatory Flood Management Area Comprising the Excavation and Exportation of Soil, the Reprofiling of Land, a New Vehicular Access and Egress, the Reinstatement of Vegetation and Associated Works.”

Officer report

The site and its role

The site comprises agricultural fields near Laneham and Church Laneham, intended to provide permanent flood compensation linked to a proposed battery storage facility.

“The second parcel of land comprises 24.97 hectares and is located approximately 2.05km to the south of the first parcel. More specifically, the second parcel of land is situated in an area to the southeast of Laneham and the southwest of Church Laneham. This land is accessible via Chequers Lane, which connects to Low Street in Dunham.”

“This land is being proposed as an area which may accommodate compensatory flood mitigation in lieu of minor changes to the flood plain that will arise as a result of the proposed BESS development. In this regard, the BESS facility will include plant and equipment and an earth bund around the perimeter of the installation, which will reduce the flood plain extent available to accommodate flood water.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the site.

“There is no relevant planning history relating to this site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement, concluding that the proposal complied with planning policies and had no adverse material considerations outweighing it.

“It is considered that the proposed development accords with the relevant adopted planning policies and associated guidance at the local and national levels. The proposed development is also supported by Government policies and objectives promoting a transition to a low carbon economy and strengthening energy security.”

“RECOMMENDATION The application is recommended for Approval subject to submission of a Section 106 Agreement and the imposition of the conditions set out below.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Environment Agency, highway authority, flood authority, rights of way authority and several other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or gave supportive responses.

“Environment Agency The site of the proposed BESS scheme is defended in a 1 in 100-year (1% annual chance) flood event by Environment Agency flood defences on the River Trent. In a more severe climate change flood, the site would be affected by flooding. The correct climate change allowance to use for ‘essential infrastructure’ such as BESS schemes in this area is the 1 in 100-year 39% climate change flood event, according to the gov.uk climate…”

“The FRA also considers the loss of floodplain storage from the proposed raised bund around the proposed BESS site. The bund will seal off the BESS area and displace floodwater. To ensure that the proposed scheme does not increase flood risk elsewhere, the FRA proposes a separate site with level for level and volume for volume floodplain compensation. This has been supported by hydraulic modelling which has been technically reviewed by the Environment Agency.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of Planning and Place presented the application, and the agent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members asked material and non-material questions, which the Head of Planning and Place answered before the Chair summarised the debate.

“Members asked several material and non-material questions during the debate. These questions and comments were addressed by the Head of Planning and Place.”

“In conclusion, the Chair summarised the debate.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.

“Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.”

“Committee Decision Resolved that: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions and a Section 106 Agreement…”

Minutes