Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full application for proposed works to reconnect a 340 metre length of historic river channel of the Emm Brook through Riverside Park, to bypass the existing weir. With associated excavation, silt removal/storage and landscaping works, plus the erection of 2 no. 8 metre x 3.5 metre wooden bridges to maintain existing access for pedestrians and maintenance vehicles, following removal of an existing piped culvert.

Applicant: South East Rivers Trust

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 61 to 362.

The Committee were advised that there were no updates contained within the Supplementary Planning Agenda.

Nick Hale, applicant, spoke in support of the application. Nick stated that a huge amount of work had gone into this application, with a range of local groups being involved. Nick added that the Rivers Trust was an independent organisation, and the South East Rivers Trust was responsible for a wide range of river catchments. Nick stated that there were opportunities for engagement and education sessions as a result of the proposal. Nick stated that the applicant had delivered a number of successful projects within the South East. Nick cited a successful project carried out on the Charvil Meadows, and noted issues related to the Loddon catchment included low flows.

Michael Firmager stated that he had enjoyed reading the agenda paperwork, and sought confirmation that the proposed works would not make any flooding issues worse. Benjamin Hindle, case officer, stated that the Environment Agency no longer had any objections with the scheme, whilst the second channel would lead to improvements in terms of flood risk management.

Michael Firmager queried whether there would be any protections for existing animals within the pond. Benjamin Hindle stated that the Council’s ecology officer had considered the application in detail and had raised no objections. In addition, the applicant was committed to ensuring minimal impacts on existing species, including delivering elements of the scheme out of season if required.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried whether the foul sewer system would be modified as a result of the proposals. Benjamin Hindle stated that Thames Water had been consulted on this matter, and the had resolved to add a connecting section to the existing pipeline.

Andrew Mickleburgh thanked officers for the very comprehensive report. Andrew welcomed the close working relationship between the applicant, external agencies, volunteer organisations and the wider community.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey proposed an additional informative, requesting that the applicant consider installing a commemorative plaque on the site to recognise the history of the original diversion to facilitate the operation of a mill. This was seconded by Tony Skuse, carried, and added to the list of informatives.

Wayne Smith proposed that the application be approved in line with the officer recommendation and additional informative in relation to the request for the installation of a commemorative plaque as resolved by the Committee. This was seconded by Tony Skuse.

RESOLVED That application number 203617 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 82 to 87, and additional informative requesting that the applicant consider installing a commemorative plaque on the site to recognise the history of the original diversion to facilitate the operation of a mill, as resolved by the Committee.