Successful planning appeal to construct renewable energy plant
A planned renewable energy plant for a site at Holme-upon-Spalding Moor, East Riding, has been approved by a Government inspector after initially being refused.
Planning lawyers from Walker Morris successfully advised Holme Bioenergy on its appeal for permission for an anaerobic digestion plant.
Andrew McCormack, an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has now granted consent for the proposed development.
Anaerobic digestion plants are used to generate clean energy and produce biofertiliser for farmland. Both of which contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Initially, planning permission was refused by East Riding of Yorkshire Council on the basis that the plant would have an adverse visual impact on the local, open countryside.
It was argued by the council that this negative impact on the intrinsic character of the surrounding landscape would outweigh the green energy potential and benefits of the plant.
However, in light of a submitted Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, it was acknowledged that the plans would have only a ‘slight adverse’ impact on the surrounding landscape.
Further it was found that the plant would only be visible from a small number of distant viewpoints meaning the character of the landscape would not be affected.
McCormack found the proposed changes would have no substantive detrimental effect to the visual surroundings of the countryside.
Holme Bioenergy was advised by Andrew Williamson, consultant at Walker Morris. Alison Ogley, Partner, provided legal and specialist strategic advice.
Ogley said: “We’re delighted with the outcome of the appeal for Holme Bioenergy. The decision reinforces the Walker Morris’ Team’s ability to offer specialist legal advice. Specifically, in the commercially relevant context of clean and renewable energy sources.”
