Graham Godwin-Pearson has welcomed the Planning Committee's decision to block the construction of a power station on the outskirts of Axbridge, following impassioned interventions from Axbridge Town Council and himself.
During today's Planning Committee meeting, Graham spoke on how the proposed development contradicts section 14 part 150b of the National Planning Policy Framework - the assertion that you can’t reduce carbon emissions by adding more.
He also suggested that, if electricity generation of this type really is necessary, then there must be a more suitable site, perhaps on an existing industrial estate.
Graham highlighted section D19 of Sedgemoor's local plan, which insists that new development is sited taking account of visibility from public vantage points, protects and enhances natural features and accounts for the predicted long-term impacts of climate change.
He also stated that the development does not meet section 15 part 170 of the National Planning Policy Framework, which requires 'Enhancing the natural environment by recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and benefits of agricultural land'.
Graham said, "The onus is on us as a local authority to preserve the landscape, not dig it up; to create more space for nature, not less. And the onus will be on us to meet carbon-reduction targets and it’s the wrong time to be adding more fossil fuel facilities, especially destroying the rural landscape to do so."
The Planning Committee agreed and rejected the proposals.
