AGENDA ITEM NO 10 MAIN CASE Reference No: EXT/00002/18

Proposal: COUNTY COUNCIL - Erection of an energy from waste facility, air cooled condensers and associated infrastructure, including the development of an internal access road; office/welfare accommodation; workshop; car, cycle and coach parking; perimeter fencing; electricity sub-stations; weighbridges; weighbridge office; water tank; silos; lighting; heat offtake pipe; surface water management system; hardstandings; earthworks; landscaping and bridge crossings

Site Address: Waste Management Park Ely Road Landbeach CB25 9PG

Applicant: AmeyCespa (East) Limited

Case Officer: Andrew Phillips, Senior Planning Officer

Date Received: 16 January 2018 Requested 6 February 2018 comments by: [S255]

1.0 RECOMMENDATION

1.1 Members are recommended to confirm the wording of the consultation response of East Cambridgeshire District Council to Cambridgeshire County Council in respect of the above proposal as:

Thank you for your consultation on the 16 January 2018 and follow up email on the 24 January 2018.

The proposal is allocated in policy (SSP W1K) in Minerals and Waste Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document Adopted February 2012. However, following the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) being adopted March 2012, the weight granted to this policy should be based on its compliance with the NPPF. It is noted that the Planning Statement makes due reference to the NPPF.

Agenda Item 10 – Page 1 It is noted and supported that the County Council Local Planning Authority is hiring relevant specialists to assess this application in relation to noise, emissions and visual impact and East Cambridgeshire support this.

It is noted that the electrical and heat connections to offsite infrastructure/development will cause short congestion and delay on the A10. It is advised that discussions are had with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority as it is understood that improvements/road works to the A10 in the next few years are a key priority. The land to the east is covered by Denny (including Farmland Museum) and this is an important historical asset to the region and any road expansion/alterations on this side of the A10 could be detrimental to the setting of the historical asset.

With it not appearing that the proposal has taken into account the likelihood of works to the A10 and the potential loss of landscaping/water management proposed as part of this development, it is recommended that the application is refused or additional information sought in order to demonstrate it would not prejudice the bringing forward of a significant piece of infrastructure improvement.

The impact on (Grade I Listed Building) will need to be assessed, the top of the west tower has public views that reach Cambridge and on this basis it stands to reason that the waste recovery facility will affect the setting of the cathedral from long distance views.

2.0 SUMMARY OF APPLICATION

2.1 East Cambridgeshire Local Planning Authority was consulted on this proposal on the 16 January 2018.

2.2 The proposal is for a waste recovery facility (27.4 megawatts, 24.4 megawatts to the national grid) that would generate enough energy for 63,000 homes. It is also capable of exporting heat to local users (e.g. Waterbeach Barracks Development). To create this energy it would need to burn up to 250,000 tonnes of waste (non- hazardous) per annum.

2.3 The proposed building measures 141m in length, width 55m – 91m, main height of the building would be 41.7m with a max height of 80m (chimney). The height of the main building would be similar to 8-10 storey building.

2.4 The full planning application, plans and documents submitted by the Applicant can be viewed online via East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Public Access online service, via the following link http://pa.eastcambs.gov.uk/online-applications/. Alternatively a paper copy is available to view at the East Cambridgeshire District Council offices, in the application file.

3.0 THE SITE AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

3.1 The site is located fully within South Cambridgeshire District Council, it is situated just north of Waterbeach along the A10, though the proposed new town at Waterbeach will be almost opposite. The Listed Building of Denny Abbey and the

Agenda Item 10 – Page 2 Farmland Museum is directly opposite. To the south of the site is Cambridge Research Park.

3.2 The site is already a Waste Management Centre and has several large buildings (three storeys) on it.

4.0 RESPONSES FROM CONSULTEES

4.1 This Local Planning Authority is a consultee. The Case Officer believes the key (as they relate to heritage and transport that might affect East Cambridgeshire) consultation responses are:

To County Council:

Historic England – Raises concerns in regards to server impact on the setting of Denny Abbey.

English Heritage Trust – Objects on the grounds of impact to Denny Abbey and the Farmland Museum.

Transport Assessment Team - Concludes “Should approval be given the following conditions should be applied: · Construction Environmental Management Plan should include a Travel Plan for the construction staff. This is to particularly include the potential for travel planning of construction staff; · That the travel plan is updated following occupation of the site and following initial staff travel monitoring surveys; · That the applicant submits details for approval by CCC and implements two new bus stop flags and poles at the access roundabout on the A10. Busstops potentially to be located on the south side of the roundabout in the location of the widening of the carriageway in this area; · Prior to the commencement of the heat pipe connection, full details of the heat pipe construction following the A10 to the Cambridge Research Park will need to be submitted and agreed by CCC. As part of this submission, the applicant should submit a detailed design specification, including the precise route and site restoration proposed. The restoration should give consideration of the potential for upgrading the alignment with a new footway / cycle path.”

Haddenham Parish Council – It states that should permission be granted then the A10 improvement/dualling works should take place before any construction works begin and seeks financial compensation/improvement due to highway impact, visual impact and pollution.

To East Cambridgeshire Local Planning Authority:

Conservation Officer (East Cambs) – States: “The accompanying document identifies heritage assets within 1km, 5km and 10km of the application site. However, from the information we saw in the text it does not appear that any reference has been made to the potential impact on Ely Cathedral which is located within the 10km zone and shown on the associated plan.

Agenda Item 10 – Page 3 Due to the fact that the building will be over 40m tall and the chimney will be 80m at its maximum height the supporting documentation should at least show how the impact on Ely cathedral has been considered, given the generally flat landscape between this and the application site and the fact that the tower to the Cathedral is open to the public and provides 360 degree views across the district.”

4.0 The Planning Policy Context

5.1 East Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2015

GROWTH 1 Levels of housing, employment and retail growth GROWTH 3 Infrastructure requirements GROWTH 5 Presumption in favour of sustainable development ENV 1 Landscape and settlement character ENV 2 Design ENV 6 Renewable energy development ENV 7 Biodiversity and geology ENV 8 Flood risk ENV 9 Pollution ENV 11 Conservation Areas ENV 12 Listed Buildings ENV 14 Sites of archaeological interest COM 7 Transport impact COM 8 Parking provision

5.2 Supplementary Planning Documents Contamination Cambridgeshire Flood and Water Design Guide

5.3 National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF)

7 Requiring good design 10 Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change 11 Conserving and enhancing the natural environment 12 Conserving and enhancing the historic environment

5.4 Submitted Local Plan 2017

LP1 A presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development LP16 Infrastructure to Support Growth LP17 Creating a Sustainable, Efficient and Resilient Transport Network LP18 Improving Cycle Provision LP20 Delivering Green Infrastructure, Trees and Woodland LP21 Open Space, Sport and Recreational Facilities LP22 Achieving Design Excellence LP23 Water Efficiency LP24 Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Development LP25 Managing Water Resources and Flood Risk LP26 Pollution and Land Contamination

Agenda Item 10 – Page 4 LP27 Conserving and Enhancing Heritage Assets LP28 Landscape, Treescape and Built Environment Character, including Cathedral Views LP30 Conserving and Enhancing Biodiversity and Geodiversity

5.5 Minerals and Waste Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document Adopted February 2012 (Cambridgeshire County Council) SSP W1K - Pages 163 - 164

6.0 PLANNING COMMENTS

6.1 With the application being a County Council Application and in a neighbouring authority (South Cambridgeshire) the key impacts to this Authority are considered to be the principle, highways (commuters to and from Cambridge) and heritage (Ely Cathedral).

6.2 Principle of Development

6.3 The site allocation under Cambridgeshire County Council Minerals and Waste Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document Adopted February 2012 holds minimal weight in itself as it was adopted one month before the NPPF. The policy is, therefore, reliant on its compatibility with the NPPF. Chapter 10 in the NPPF seeks to reduce greenhouse emissions and supports renewable energy.

6.4 The proposal seeks to turn waste into a resource, which while not renewable energy does limit the demands on fossil fuels. With the proposal reusing waste and preventing it from going to landfill, the proposal is considered to comply with the requirements of sustainability as defined by the NPPF in so far as energy usage.

6.5 Residential Amenity

6.6 The County Council have sought independent advice on noise and emissions. With the distance to local residents of East Cambridgeshire, the understanding that the ongoing emissions will be controlled by other legislation, plus already specialist advice feeding into the application it is not considered that additional comments from this Authority is necessary.

6.7 Visual Amenity and Historic Environment

6.8 The proposed building is of a very significant size as it measures 141m in length, width 55m – 91m, the main height of the building would be 41.7m and has a max height of 80m (chimney).

6.9 The proposal will impact its immediate setting. However, the harm associated with this is considered to be a matter for South Cambridgeshire Local Planning Authority, as it within their authority and Cambridgeshire County Council to assess as part of the determination of this application.

6.10 Ely Cathedral is arguably the most visible landmark building in Cambridgeshire, due to the significant distance you can see it from. The west tower measures 66m and

Agenda Item 10 – Page 5 the lantern measures 52m. The height of the building on top of a hill (ex island) in a flat landscape means that it is visible from great distance.

6.11 Ely Cathedral is a Grade I Listed Building and is therefore of great historic and architectural interest and is a building of high importance to the nation. Any harm to the building must bring substantial benefits to outweigh the harm. Harm to a historical asset can be both to its fabric (e.g. removing a wall) or to its setting (any land, building or view linked to the historical asset).

6.12 Denny Abbey is believed to have been connected to Ely Cathedral during the mid 1100s but was soon transferred to Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Knights Templar). While Denny Abbey may have a historical tie to Ely Cathedral it is not considered to be an important connection. However, the setting of Denny Abbey needs to be taken into consideration.

6.13 The top of the West Tower has views stretching to the edge of Cambridge (on a very clear day, the historic centre of Cambridge) and is open to the general public. It is, therefore, reasonable to presume that a building with a maximum height of 80m will be clearly visible from the top of the tower.

6.14 The developer’s viewpoint selection states in regards to Ely Cathedral :

“Viewpoint investigated in response to an inquiry from Historic England as to whether views would be available from Ely Cathedral – there are no open views south from ground level. Tours of the octagon tower are available but ascend the north side of the cathedral, from which views south are blocked by the Cathedral structure…Not included as public views are not readily available”

6.15 With public viewpoints available from the West Tower the developer’s statement is considered to be fundamentally flawed.

6.16 It is not considered that Ely Cathedral is viewable from the site, as buildings and trees will prevent someone at ground level from seeing the Cathedral (Ely Cathedral comes clearly into view just north of Stretham from ground height).

6.17 The submitted documents while noting Ely Cathedral make no reference to the effect on the setting of the Cathedral. The proposal, therefore, does not consider the harm or balance the benefits against the level of harm. This goes against the principles of the NPPF and should weigh significantly against the application.

6.18 Policies ENV1 and ENV12 of the Adopted Local Plan 2015 and policies LP27 and LP28 of the submitted Local Plan 2017.

6.19 Highways

6.20 The site is located immediately adjacent to the A10 and accesses this road via a roundabout.

6.21 The A10 is a fundamental link between Ely and Cambridge and currently struggles to cope with rush hour traffic.

Agenda Item 10 – Page 6 6.22 The Local Planning Authority (County Council) Case Officer has stated that the proposal will lead to the long term reduction of 23 HGVs per day; there is no reason to doubt this.

6.23 However, there is long term plans to improve the A10 between Ely and Cambridge. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority are involved with the potential works and therefore it is recommend that they are consulted as part of this application. In addition the proposed new town at Waterbeach could have a significant impact upon the A10, but this is a matter for South Cambridgeshire District Council.

6.24 It is considered that there is a significant unknown in regards to the A10 road improvements that may require additional land in order to facilitate improvements. With the proposal maybe effecting the method(s) of improvements to the A10 there is a great concern that the development will either significantly reduce the options to improve the A10 or raise the cost to facilitate the works.

6.25 Planning Balance

6.26 It is for the determining body to balance the benefits and harm that the proposal will cause. However, there are still significant questions to this proposal in regards to the impact on a Grade I Listed Building (Ely Cathedral) and the planned improvements of the A10.

6.27 Members are requested to support the wording of the response as defined within paragraph 1.1.

Background Documents Location Contact Officer(s)

EXT/00002/18 Andrew Phillips Andrew Phillips Room No. 011 Senior Planning The Grange Officer Ely 01353 665555 andrew.phillips@ea stcambs.gov.uk

National Planning Policy Framework - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950. pdf

East Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2015 - http://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Local%20Plan%20April%202015%20- %20front%20cover%20and%20inside%20front%20cover.pdf

Agenda Item 10 – Page 7