Decision details

A report was presented on a retrospective application for a 150mm diameter borehole for groundwater sampling, water level and water quality monitoring on agricultural land on a field to west of Roseacre Village, Roseacre, nr Kirkham.

The report included the views of Fylde Borough Council, Treales, Roseacre and Wharles Parish Council, County Councillor Liz Oades and details of one letter of representation received.

The Development Management Officer presented a PowerPoint presentation showing an aerial photograph of the site and the nearest residential properties. The committee was also shown photographs of the site and access road and an illustration showing the applicant's data taken from the borehole.

The Officer advised that the views of the County Council's Development Control (Highways) and the further views of Roseacre, Wharles and Treales Parish Council had been received. These were set out in the Update Sheet circulated at the meeting and set out at Annex A to the Minute Book.

County Councillor Liz Oades addressed the Committee and raised concerns with regard to the conflicting advice she had received about the purpose of borehole.  She maintained that as the application was not a mineral or a waste application, it should have been determined by the Borough Council.  She also maintained that as the applicant had already captured a full year of groundwater monitoring data, there was no reason for the development to be retained especially as there was no provision for shale gas development in this area. 

In response to the above, the Officer advised that Fylde Borough Council had agreed that the County Council should determine the application. The committee was also advised that although some background data had already been captured, the main purpose of the borehole was to allow ongoing monitoring of the impacts of shale gas development during the period when the exploration activities were being undertaken and therefore the borehole needed to be retained to allow this to happen.

Resolved: That theapplication be Granted subject to the conditions set out in the report to the committee.