Nitrate removal plant at Pumping Station At Junction With Ringwould Road Kingsdown, Ringwould

What was proposed

The application proposed extending an existing pumping station with nitrate treatment equipment, tanks, fencing and a widened access road.

“25/00299 - Change of use of agricultural land to provide an extension to the existing pumping station to include switchgear kiosk, installation of a new nitrate removal plant, brine waste and salt saturator tanks with bund/fencing, 3-metre security fencing, relocation of site gate and existing access road to be widened - Pumping Station at Junction with Ringwould Road, Kingsdown…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the need for safe, reliable water and the public benefits outweighed limited harm to the National Landscape.

“Figure 3: Proposed Landscaping Plan Planning Balance 2.12 Due to the impact upon the Kent Downs National Landscape, the proposal would not conserve or enhance the setting of the landscape designation. As per the NPPF and policy NE2 of the Local Plan, the harm identified should be weighed against the public benefits.”

“The applicant has submitted details regarding the need for the proposal alongside their application. It sets out that the nitrate removal plant is required to reduce nitrate levels in the water to guarantee the local community is supplied with safe and reliable water in line with the DWI requirements. The proposal would bring the existing WTW back into use, which is located adjacent to the site, providing a crucial service to the local area.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection, subject to conditions, while Kent Downs considered that the proposal would not conserve or enhance the adjacent National Landscape.

“KCC Highways – No objection subject to conditions re. Construction Management Plan and provision of vehicle loading/unloading and turning facilities.”

“Kent Downs AONB – Welcomes the additional amendments to landscaping, however still considers that the proposal fails to conserve and enhance the adjacent National Landscape. However, recognises that the applicant has incorporated measures to reduce the harm, however, are limited, due to highway visibility splays and planting over existing underground water infrastructure.”

Officer report

Objections to the proposal

The parish council, a councillor and 15 objectors raised concerns about the industrial design, landscape impact, landscaping, scale and traffic.

“Ringwould with Kingsdown Parish Council – No objection to the principle of the development, however objects raising the following concerns: • Design and mitigation upon local environment and rural character; industrial appearance of building and associated fencing, should reflect a more agricultural barn style development • Impact upon Kent Downs Landscape • Further landscaping should be introduced; would benefit from a pond • Increase of traffic movements…”

“Cllr Manion – Objects, raising the following concerns: • Appreciates the need for the development • Design; industrial appearance • Impact upon Kent Downs Landscape Third party representations: 15 objections were received, raising the following concerns: • Design and scale; should be sympathetic and appropriate for the location - timber material and mature landscaping, prominent location • Impact upon Kent Downs National Landscape; Colouring of building should be reviewed…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The TL explained the proposal and the officers’ view that public benefits outweighed landscape harm.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the unattractive but necessary infrastructure, its size, traffic, landscape fit and whether tree planting would be suitable.

“Members commented that this type of infrastructure was not attractive but was necessary. Councillor Cronk raised concerns about the size of the development, how it fitted into the landscape and increased traffic on a busy road. The TL advised that a construction management plan was conditioned. Whilst currently a relatively small site, once it was enlarged bigger vehicles would be able to turn into the site and leave in forward gear which was an improvement.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions covering construction, landscaping, ecology, archaeology, tree planting, lighting and building colour.

“RESOLVED: (a) That Application No DOV/25/00299 be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“(v) Minimum height of hedgerow and non-highway landscaping at 1.8 metres;”

Minutes