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Major Biomass and Industrial Development Refused as CPRENEY Object
CPRE North and East Yorkshire (CPRENEY) welcomes the decision by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to refuse planning permission for a large-scale industrial development proposed by GB-Bio Limited at Hull Road, Aldbrough.
The planning application (Ref: 21/04544/STPLFE) sought both full and outline permission for a major hybrid development, including a biomass and waste wood processing plant, vertical farming units, carbon dioxide storage tanks, substations, and extensive infrastructure across open countryside.
In a comprehensive refusal issued under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Council rejected the application due to the unjustified scale and harmful visual and cumulative impacts on the local landscape.
The proposal was described as an attempt to develop a bio-production park next to an existing but non-operational biomass facility, without sufficient evidence to justify its scale or its need. The Council found the development would industrialise open farmland, creating a detrimental effect on the intrinsic countryside character, despite proposed screening and landscaping.
The refusal also highlighted key policy conflicts, stating the proposal was contrary to the East Riding Local Plan Strategy Document policies EC1, S4, EC5, and ENV1, as well as failing to meet the requirements of paragraph 160 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These policies stress that development in the open countryside must be of appropriate scale, adjacent to existing industrial areas, and must protect rural character and landscape.
In his signed decision, Stephen Hunt MRTPI, Director of Planning and Development Management, confirmed that while the low-carbon energy benefits were considered, they did not outweigh the significant and unjustified harm to the countryside.
This refusal represents a strong statement in support of planning integrity, policy-based decision-making, and the protection of rural landscapes.
Key reasons for refusal included:
- No clear justification for the scale of development in relation to the existing facility.
- Unacceptable visual impact from roads and footpaths, harming the open countryside.
- Conflict with policies requiring developments to respect rural character and be appropriately scaled.
- The public benefits of renewable energy did not outweigh the environmental harm.
CPRENEY commends this outcome, which reaffirms the need to carefully balance renewable energy ambitions with the preservation of our countryside’s character and beauty.
CPRENEY Statement:
“This is a huge win for East Yorkshire’s countryside. The proposed development was wholly inappropriate for this location – vast in scale, poorly justified, and visually damaging. We are proud to have worked with local residents to ensure this beautiful landscape remains protected for future generations.”
To see our objection follow this link – ERY – Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage Project – North and East Yorkshire
