Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 06/05/2022
Decision due: 16 May 2022 by Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning
Lead member: Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning nick.botterill@wiltshire.gov.uk
Department: Finance and Procurement
Contact: Lynn Trigwell, 01225 718479, Email: lynn.trigwell@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) (‘Habitats Regulations’) planning applications in the River Test catchment in Wiltshire are required to be nitrogen neutral. Some planning applications have been held up for over 18 months but now a mitigation solution is available on Council land at Roundbarrow Farm, Pitton.
Roundbarrow Farm was previously managed as a dairy farm and was returned to Wiltshire Council in September 2021. Managing the land to enhance the natural capital and for conservation purposes, rather than as an intensive dairy farm, creates nitrogen ‘credits’ that can be traded to counterbalance the nitrogen burdens from new development.
It was agreed at the Asset Management Group (21.09.21) to bring forward Council land at Roundbarrow Farm for nitrogen offsetting. A separate strategy is being progressed for the potential repurposing of the farm buildings.
The main consideration for the Council is the price of the nitrogen ‘credits’. This is important as it will secure the necessary funding for the loss of farming tenancy revenue to the Council in perpetuity (80 to 125 years) and cover long term management costs.