Drainage works (partial retrospective)

General Policy 3

Restricts development outside zoned areas except for specific cases including previously developed land where redevelopment reduces landscape impact. Officer applied exception (c) as the drainage works replace a damaged system, preventing subsidence and improving the environment in the unzoned field.

Environment Policy 1

Protects countryside from adverse development unless overriding national need. Officer considered the works essential for drainage control without adverse countryside impact, justified by erosion prevention.

Environment Policy 2

Prioritises landscape character protection in AHLCVSS unless no harm or essential location. Officer found minimal visual harm outweighed by environmental benefits from stabilised drainage.

Environmental Policy 9

Precautionary approach to erosion-prone land, no development where erosion likely during building lifetime. Officer noted works address instability from prior flooding/subsidence.

Environment Policy 11

Coastal development not permitted if it increases flooding/erosion risks or prejudices natural defences. Officer concluded new drainage reduces erosion speed without triggering policy concerns.