Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Planning

BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

PLANNING, ACCESS AND RIGHTS OF WAY COMMITTEE

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RELATED MATTER - FOR NOTING

Hedgerow Removal Notice

15/12604/HEDGE – Relocation of hedgerow at Aberyscir, Brecon

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997

Officer: Bridgit Symons, Planning Ecologist

Introduction

A Hedgerow Removal Notice was received by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority from Powys County Council on 18th August 2015.

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 require Local Planning Authorities to make decisions on whether hedgerows may be removed or should be retained within 42 days of the receipt of the Notice.

The purpose of this report is to provide Members with a summary of the decision to issue a Hedgerow Removal Notice in this instance.

Application

The hedgerow is to the west of the bridge at Glanyscir, to the west of Brecon. The proposed works will result in the removal of up to 40 metres of hedgerow. Powys County Council intends to translocate the hedgerow up to 4 metres to the west, although this cannot be secured or enforced through Hedgerow Regulations process.

The works are required to improve the approach for large vehicles crossing the Listed Bridge over the Afon Ysgir from the west and north. The improvements will help to avoid large vehicles causing damage to the parapets of the Listed Bridge.

Assessment and Consultee responses

The entire hedgerow is over 360 metres in length. The ecological survey found an average of 6 woody species present per 30 metre section of hedgerow as well as three features as listed under the Regulations and it is therefore ecologically important.

The archaeological assessment found that the hedgerow is shown on the Tithe Map for Aberysgir dated 1838 and it is therefore also historically important.

Natural Resources Wales have recommended that the applicants undertake the work with due consideration to the protection of the adjacent watercourse, which is designated as part of the River Usk Special Are of Conservation. Powys County Council have agreed to adhere to pollution prevention measures. The full officer report can be viewed at http://planningbreconnpa.org/online-applications/

Photo 1: Hedgerow viewed from the west with part of Pont ar Yscir visible to the right

Photo 2: Hedgerow viewed looking east from the road junction

Conclusion

The hedgerow qualifies as being an important hedgerow under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. However, the reasons for the removal will safeguard the Listed Bridge and heritage of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

It is also acknowledged that Powys County Council propose to translocate the hedgerow to maintain the wildlife corridor and thus avoid negative impacts on the biodiversity and landscape of the National Park.

Recommendation

That Members note the content of the above report.