Environment assessment not required at site planned for BAE in Barrow

Westmorland and Furness Council has determined an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is not required for the demolition and removal of existing infrastructure on the former Spirit Energy site on Barrow Island.

A decision notice issued by the council says whilst the proposed development will raise important planning considerations, these are ‘not considered so significant’ to warrant an EIA.

According to the decision notice relevant planning issues including heritage, landscape and visual impact, among others, will be addressed through the planning application.

The notice adds: “The works could also deliver environmental benefits in terms of improved drainage, pollution control and providing a clean site for future development, green infrastructure and biodiversity net gain.”

Proposals from BAE Systems involve the creation of a level platform at 8.5 metres ‘to support the future development’ of the site. Ground levels within the site vary considerably, but generally slopes down from north to south, from a height of approximately 15 metres to six metres, planning documents add.

Planning documents state: “A stockpile of material will be created to raise the level of the remainder of the site at some point in the future. However, the timing of this is currently unknown and is not likely to occur within a number of years, rather it will take place as part of future redevelopment proposals of the site, which itself is not yet known.

“The future raising of site levels and future redevelopment of the site are not therefore considered as part of the proposed works.”

According to planning documents the total volume of material to be excavated is estimated to be 150,000 cubic metres. An estimated 70,000 cubic metres will be removed from the site to be disposed of at an appropriate facility depending on the physical and chemical characteristics of the material to be removed.