Now Network Rail is getting ‘jumpy’ over proposed indoor salmon farm near Cleethorpes station

                                               

Network Rail is seeking infrastructure assurances on salmon 'farm' project

NETWORK Rail is the latest organisation to flash the amber light on a proposed indoor salmon ‘farm’ that could be built on land near Cleethorpes railway station.

Bosses are particularly fearful that vibrations from the construction process could compromise the stability of the track.

Another consideration is that there may be certain restrictive covenants on the land which is off Salvesen Road.

Network Rail has not formally objected to the scheme but it has fired a warning shot across the bows of the project.

In a submission to North East Lincolnshire planners, it states:   

"It is possible that the site in question may have previously been railway-owned land. 

"It is incumbent upon the applicant to investigate all the covenants and understand any restrictions relating to the site which may take precedence over planning conditions."

It continues: "Due to the proximity of the proposed development to the operational railway boundary, it will be imperative that the developer liaise with our Asset Protection Team prior to any work taking place on site.

"This is to ensure that the development can be undertaken safely and without impact to operational railway safety. 

"Details to be discussed and agreed will include construction methodology, earthworks and excavations, use of crane, plant and machinery, drainage and boundary treatments. 

"It may be necessary for the developer to enter into a Basic Asset Protection Agreement with Network Rail to ensure the safety of the operational railway during these works.

"It is further imperative that drainage associated with the site does not impact on or cause damage to adjacent railway assets. 

"Surface water must flow away from the railway.

"There must be no ponding of water adjacent to the boundary and any attenuation scheme within 30m of the railway boundary must be approved by Network Rail in advance. 

"There must be no connection to existing railway drainage assets without prior agreement with Network Rail. 

The letter continues: "It is imperative that planting and landscaping schemes near the railway boundary do not impact on operational railway safety. 

"Where trees and shrubs are to be planted adjacent to boundary, they should be position at a minimum distance greater than their height at maturity from the boundary. 

"Certain broad leaf deciduous species should not be planted adjacent to the railway boundary. 

"Any hedge planted adjacent to the railway boundary fencing for screening purposes should be placed so that when fully grown it does not damage the fencing, provide a means of scaling it or prevent Network Rail from maintaining it."

Network Rail even goes as far as to state which tree species are acceptable and which not so. 

Acceptable:

Birch, Crab Apple, Field Maple, Bird Cherry, Wild Pear, Firs and Pines, Hawthorn, Mountain Ash, Whitebeam, False Acacia, Willow Shrubs.

Not Acceptable:

Acer, Aspen, Poplar, Small-leaved Lime, Sycamore, Norway Maple, Horse Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Ash, Black poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Large-leaved lime, Common lime.

Network Rail has further issued a lighting alert less there might be risk of train drivers being dazzled.

"Where lighting is to be erected adjacent to the operational railway, the potential for train drivers to be dazzled must be eliminated. 

"In addition, the location and colour of lights must not give rise to the potential for confusion with the signalling arrangements on the railway."

The letter to planners concludes: "Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed scheme. 

"We trust that the above will be given due consideration in determining the application."

                                          

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