Representation by National Trust (National Trust)
- Date submitted
- 13 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The National Trust wishes to register as an interested party in respect of the application for a Development Consent Order by National Grid for the Yorkshire Green project (Planning Inspectorate reference EN020024). The National Trust owns and manages Beningbrough Hall and gardens extending to 120 hectares which is located approximately 10km northwest of York city centre in the Hambleton District of North Yorkshire. Situated in the countryside, Beningbrough Hall is bounded on two sides by the river Ouse, beyond C18 gate lodges, rolling parkland graced by diverse and mature trees, which surrounds the Baroque mansion and its associated buildings. Beningbrough Hall is a nationally important heritage asset, the exceptional significance of which is recognised in its designation as a Grade I Listed mansion (with other Grade II Listed structures) within a Grade II Registered Park and Garden. The proposed development does not involve National Trust land, nor does it cause direct impacts to arise to the heritage assets. Our concern with the proposal relates to any harm that may arise through a change in the setting of Beningbrough Hall and its parkland. Over the course of 2022 the applicant has engaged positively with National Trust to examine the impacts of the proposal on the setting of the property. We are satisfied with the assessment as presented in document ES Volume 5 Chapter 7 Historic Environment document (EN020024-000256 5.2.7) and the relevant Appendix 7F technical note for Beningbrough Hall (EN020024-000146-5.3.7F) together with the visual impact assessed for viewpoint 8 (Table 6H.9 - Viewpoint 8 - Beningbrough Hall and Gardens Figures 6.37 and 6.38, ES Volume 5, Document 5.4.6 (EN020024-000192-5.4.6). The assessment conclusions on the magnitude and significance of the effect of the changes are agreed by National Trust and it is agreed that any harm accruing to the Grade I Beningbrough Hall would arise solely from change to setting during the construction period. This harm would constitute a very low magnitude of less than substantial harm and would occur for a limited duration. No harm would accrue to the registered park and garden, or the other designated heritage assets contained within it. A Statement of Common Ground has been drafted by National Grid (draft V1 Jan 2023 with NT additions 26.01.23) which confirms that all matters are agreed between us. As a result, unless the ExA has questions for the National Trust we do not consider it is necessary to play an active role in the DCO process. We are comfortable with the limits of deviation identified on plan EN020024-000254-2.6.2 Works Plan section B (sheet 5 of 5). Should the alignment be revised beyond the limits of deviation such that it moves in closer proximity to Beningbrough Hall then we would respectfully request to be consulted to consider and assess any additional impacts that may arise.