Land On The South East Side Of Ridge Road, Kempston, Bedfordshire, MK42 7DA

construction and operation of a micro energy storage project, surrounding fence and soft landscaping

Authority: Bedford Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: utilities-energy · Other minor developments
Inspector: Ellis D

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area

What decided it

The significant harm caused to the character and appearance of the area by the obtrusive and highly visible energy storage unit and fence outweighs the benefits associated with renewable energy generation.

Framework references: 168

Plan policies cited: Policy 28S, Policy 29, Policy 30, Policy 51S

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- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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