Installation of an underground water turbine alongside the Shrewsbury Weir to generate hydroelectricity from the River Severn and to demolish the existing fish pass and replace it with a new fish pass, fish bywash and debris channel; removal of 7 No trees.

By virtue of his declaration at Minute No. 20, Councillor Andrew Bannerman made a statement and then left the room during consideration of this item.  During which the following points were raised:

·         Subject to appropriate conditions, the proposal was supported by Shrewsbury Town Council, Environment Agency, Natural England and Shropshire Council consultees;

·         There would be no negative impact on the flow of the river and fish passage would be improved;

·         Many local organisations would be involved and investing in the scheme; and

·         Would help towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

By virtue of his declaration at Minute No. 20 and as the adjoining local Ward Councillor, Councillor Alan Moseley made a statement and then left the room during consideration of this item.  During which the following points were raised:

·         He acknowledged that many local people had expressed support for the proposal;

·         Expressed reservations with regard to the visual impact and especially from the opposite side of the river;

·         Questioned the financial sustainability of the project; and

·         The submission of a comprehensive and solid Business Plan would be essential before any land release was agreed.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application and with reference to the drawings and photo montage displayed, drew Members’ attention to the location and elevations.  He suggested two additional conditions relating to landscaping which would ensure the provision, establishment and maintenance of a reasonable standard of landscape.

Members had undertaken a site visit that morning and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.

Members noted the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting which detailed amendments to the report.

Mr A Coles, a local resident spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Mr D Green, a local resident spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules (Part 4, Paragraph 6.1) Councillor Miles Kenny, as local Member, participated in the discussion and spoke against the proposal but did not vote. During which he raised the following points:

·         No pre-application advice had been undertaken;

·         Many of the supporters were members of lobby groups and lived elsewhere;

·         The community engagement statement was misleading;

·         If minded to approve, a condition should be added to ensure proper investigation of the location of the otter holt prior to any works taking place;

·         Shropshire Anglers Federation had raised objections;

·         Possibility of creating new bank erosion sites which could result in compensation claims/payouts and would be contrary to Core Strategy Policy CS6;

·         Construction vehicles would approach the site from Tankerville Street and would impact on the quality of life.  He suggested that a Construction Management Statement should be submitted and approved by this Committee;

·         There should be no artificial lighting between dusk and dawn; no machinery should be in operation between the hours of 5.00 pm and 8.00 am; and any work on site should take place during working days and between the hours of 8.00 am and 5.00 pm.

Mr M Scutt, the applicant, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.  Some Members supported the proposal in principal but suggested deferral to investigate the concerns raised with regard to otters, traffic and by the anglers.  A Member suggested an additional condition to ensure removal of redundant equipment if the project failed; and a further Member expressed concerns with regard to noise.

In response to comments and questions, the Technical Specialist Planning Officer reiterated that subject to appropriate conditions no concerns had been raised by Ecology Officers, Environment Agency, Wildlife Trust and Natural England.  The design had been amended to incorporate gabion walls and an existing fish pass on the opposite side of the river would remain operational during construction.  With reference to traffic, he commented that it would be difficult to agree construction traffic details until contracts had been completed.  Once constructed and completed the number of vehicular movements to the site would be minimal.  Any working practices/working hours would be agreed through a Construction Methodology Plan.  Public Protection Officers had raised no objections and were confident that noise would not be or become an issue.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted as per the Officer’s recommendation, subject to:

·         The conditions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and

·         The following two additional landscaping conditions:

(i)            Landscaping scheme

No development approved by this permission shall commence until there has been submitted to and approved by the local planning authority a scheme of landscaping and these works shall be carried out as approved. The submitted scheme shall include:

Planting plans

Written specifications (including cultivation and other operations associated with plant and grass establishment)

Schedules of plants, noting species, planting sizes and proposed numbers/densities where appropriate

Details of protection and maintenance

Implementation timetables

Reason:  To ensure the provision of amenity afforded by appropriate landscape design.

(ii)          Landscape Maintenance

All hard and soft landscape works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and to a reasonable standard in accordance with the relevant recommendations of appropriate British Standard 4428:1989.  The works shall be carried out prior to the occupation of any part of the development or in accordance with the timetable agreed with the Local Planning Authority.  Any trees or plants that, within a period of five years after planting, are removed, die or become seriously damaged or defective, shall be replaced with others of species, size and number as originally approved, by the end of the first available planting season.

Reason:  To ensure the provision, establishment and maintenance of a reasonable standard of landscape in accordance with the approved designs.