Agenda with Maps and Applications (21Mb) - pdf - Selby District ...

2.11.5 The report concludes that the landscape strategy for the development
will ensure that the scheme is acceptable in the landscape and visual
terms. As with any development of this scale and form there will be
inevitable adverse effects, however these have been limited through a
green infrastructure strategy comprising 33% of the site area which will
integrate with the wider landscape and strategic infrastructure network
that is currently limited. These new areas of green infrastructure would
provide a structured landscape setting that will assist in reducing the
likely visual effects of the development over time but will deliver a multifunctional
network of open spaces and as such the report states there
is no reason why the likely landscape and visual effects of the
proposed development should be regarded as unacceptable.
2.11.6 Having given regard to the above, it is considered that the scheme is
acceptable in terms of the landscape character and visual amenity of
the area in accordance with Policy ENV1 of the Selby District Local
Plan, having taken into account the Village Design Statement, RSS
Policy ENV10 and the approach outlined in the NPPF.
2.12 Loss of Agricultural Land
2.12.1 Policy ENV7 of the RSS relates to the protection of agricultural land
and its purpose is “to protect higher quality agricultural land whilst
encouraging land use changes that will help facilitate farm
diversification in the light of structural changes that will occur to
agriculture, and thereby reinforce key spatial objectives elsewhere”.
2.12.2 The scheme results in the loss of agricultural land which is in active
use at present. The NPPF paragraph 112 states that Local Planning
Authorities should take into account the economic and other benefits of
the best and most versatile agricultural land. Where significant
development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, local
planning authorities should seek to use areas of poorer quality land in
preference to that of a higher quality.
2.12.3 The site was allocated for development in the Local Plan and therefore
the loss of the site from agricultural use has been accepted through the
Local Plan process.
2.13 Provision of Recreation Open Space
2.13.1 Policy RT2 of the Local Plan refers to recreational open space and the
requirements for its provision on residential development that
comprises of 5 or more dwellings. This policy goes on to state that for
schemes of 50 dwelling or more, provision within the site will normally
be required unless deficiencies elsewhere in the settlement merit a
combination of on-site and off-site provision.
2.13.2 At the site specific level Policy SHB/1B states the proposals must make
provision for:
63