Wetland nature reserve at Bourne North Fen Nature Reserve, Bourne

What was proposed

The application sought to change agricultural land into a multi-functional nature reserve with wetlands, watercourse works, bunding, scrapes and drainage changes.

“The application proposes the change of use of agriculture to multi-functional Nature Reserve and associated engineering operations.”

“The proposed engineering operations would consist of the creation of a wetland nature reserve, including the restoration of peat soils, rain/spring-fed groundwater tables and associated fenland vegetation (such as reedbeds) over an existing area of primarily agricultural land.”

Officer report

The site

The 55-hectare site is agricultural land in open countryside, accessed by a one-kilometre farm track from the A151.

“The application site currently consists of agricultural land with vehicular access and part of the land to the south of the application site being owned by Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board.”

“The application site is within and surrounded by open countryside with housing to the south.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the proposal was supported in principle, would enhance biodiversity and would not harm the area’s character or appearance.

“The proposed development is for a change of use to a nature reserve which will allow visitor traffic to the site with the potential to generate income. Therefore, the proposal falls to within E9: Visitor Economy, which supports proposals which will develop the local visitor economy where they maintain the quality of the countryside and the natural environment. In this case, the proposals would enhance the natural environment through a substantial biodiversity net gain.”

“Overall, the existing site is agricultural, and the proposed site would still be agricultural and therefore the proposed work would not cause any harm to the character and appearance of the area.”

Officer report

Flooding and biodiversity

The site is in Flood Zone 3, but officers considered the water-compatible proposal acceptable subject to conditions and secured biodiversity management.

“Developers can either make off-site biodiversity gains on their own land outside the development site or buy off-site biodiversity units on the market. If developers cannot achieve on-site or off-site BNG, they must buy statutory biodiversity credits from the government. This should be a last resort.”

“This would ensure that in this scenario the BNG and associated benefits that arise from new development would remain within South Kesteven, as opposed to being used elsewhere. The BNG would be secured through the accompanying S106 agreement and submitted Habitat Monitoring and Management Plan (HMMP).”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Most consultees raised no objections; the Environment Agency requested flood-related controls, while the Tree Officer raised concerns about trees and evidence.

“Anglian Water 5.1.1 There is no connection to the Anglian Water sewers, we therefore have no comments to make. Bourne Town Council 5.2.1 No objections 5.3 Environmental Agency 5.3.1 The Environmental Agency raised no objections to the application subject to a condition regarding the development being in accordance with the flood risk assessment. Environmental Protection 5.4.1 No comments to make.”

“While the site was historically wetland, it has not been so for over 100 years; this may reflect a geological period that could also have supported high forest. Proposals for biodiversity and carbon storage these are normally referenced to national schemes with defined entry criteria, but no evidence has been provided to demonstrate compliance. South Holland District Council…”

Officer report

Public comments

Six letters supported the project or its principle but raised concerns about woodland, wildlife, public access, environmental information and flooding.

“Support the project. • Concerns for what will happen to the mixed woodland such as the trees and wildlife. • Important that the mixed woodland is preserved and left undisturbed to provide habitat for this vast range of wild birds and animals. • The Environmental Statement & Mitigation Tables - Protected Species & Historic Landscape document is missing.”

“Although I support this in principle, I am concerned that there is no mention of public access. • So much of the local wildlife habitat and open spaces have been lost to large scale housing development, it is vital that the local inhabitants have places such as this at their disposal. • The fauna appraisal makes no mention whatsoever of fish and other possibly rare aquatic life. The pit once held the largest carp in Lincolnshire and thousands of eels.”

Officer report

Public speaker

The agent answered questions about public access, tree protection, management, agricultural activity, paludiculture and flooding.

The committee’s decision

The committee proposed, seconded and agreed to grant permission subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 Agreement:”

“1) The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

Minutes