Land Fronting Wentworth Drive, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 8BD

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

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

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
trees
biodiversity net gain

What decided it

The harmful effect on character and appearance caused by the incongruous positioning of the development on open grassland, combined with unresolved concerns about potential damage to adjacent trees due to the absence of a detailed arboricultural survey, outweighed the renewable energy benefits.

Framework references: 168, 136

Plan policies cited: Policy 28S, Policy 29, Policy 30, Policy 57, Policy 39

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