Flood alleviation scheme at Land Off Canberra Road, Shortstown

What was proposed

The application proposed an above-ground flood alleviation scheme to manage surface water and flood risk from a separate residential-led development.

“The proposed development in this instance consists of an above ground flood alleviation scheme (FAS) to manage flood water from the proposed residential-led mixed use development to the west of the A600 and that Members are being asked to consider separately under LPA planning reference 23/02783/EIA (Land at Canberra Road, Shortstown).”

“Access to the FAS site for construction traffic and for longer-term maintenance is proposed to be taken from the eastern side of the A600 via Jacksons Gate (Cardington Way) which is located approximately 140 metres to the south of the Greycote roundabout.”

Officer report

The site and access

The 12.4-hectare site formed part of the former RAF Cardington airfield, near Grade II* listed airship sheds, with access from Jacksons Gate.

“The application site is located immediately to the south / south-east of the Shortstown Settlement Policy Area boundary (SPA). The site forms part of the former RAF Cardington airfield, Shortstown, and lies approximately 265 metres to the south of Shed 2 (one of two Grade II* listed airship sheds that dominate the immediate landscape). This area of the airfield has since circa the 1920s been…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the scheme provided necessary drainage infrastructure, addressed flooding, preserved airfield openness and its benefits outweighed heritage harm.

“- 185 - importantly the development would provide the necessary drainage infrastructure to support the residential-led development being proposed to the west of the application site beyond the A600. Overall, it is considered that the principle of the development in this instance is acceptable.”

“To be clear, the FAS that has been submitted as a standalone application is to purely mitigate flood risk in respect of the residential- led development the subject of LPA ref. 23/02783/EIA. In short, were Members resolved not to grant permission for that residential- led scheme, the current proposal should be refused as it has no purpose/public benefit on its own to outweigh any harms. The applicant acknowledges that position.”

Officer report

Public concerns

One objector argued that the scheme and related housing could increase flooding and that connecting waterways might not be adequately maintained.

“According to National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 170, planning authorities should avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding. The proposed application seems to contradict this principle by directing additional housing towards an area already vulnerable to flooding, despite the potential for increased flood risk due to inadequate maintenance and neglect of waterways connecting the two sites;”

“The assumption that waterways connecting the two sites will function optimally is not supported by historical evidence. In fact, maintenance of local waterways has been historically inadequate, leading to increased risk of flooding in surrounding areas. It is urged that clarification is sought with those responsible for maintaining this waterway to remote site and at what cost.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard two Anglian Water objectors, the parish council as supporters and the applicant’s agent.

Committee update

The Principal Planning Officer said an Anglian Water legal opinion had been submitted, but it did not change the recommendation.

“The Principal Planning Officer provided an update as follow:”

“A King’s Counsel opinion has been submitted by Anglian Water and shared with the Committee Members ahead of the meeting. The opinion did not alter the recommendation as set out within the published report.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to grant permission in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.

“That permission be granted in respect of the above application in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.”

Minutes