Installation of a temporary access track and upgrade of existing farm entrance, for the purpose of delivery and construction of a proposed renewable energy park

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application for the installation of a temporary access track and upgrade of existing farm entrance, for the purpose of delivery and construction of a proposed renewable energy park. The Technical Specialist Planning Officer drew Member’s attention to amended conditions 5 and 6 that had been circulated.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Robert Macey, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During their statement, the following points were raised:

·         He had concerns relating to traffic management along a very narrow, steep and winding section of road;

·         The additional heavy goods traffic would cause damage to the road surface; and

·         Questioned what was meant by the term Initial Implementation within condition 6.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Mark Jones as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During their statement, the following points were raised:

·         The people most affected would be those living at the farm; and

·         Was generally supportive of the proposals.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer responded to comments made by the local member, explaining that the wind turbine had been removed from the proposed Renewable Energy Park in Powys and as a result mostly rigid vehicles rather than articulated lorries would be used to transport materials to the construction site.  Also in response to concerns raised by the local ward councillors and the Parish Council the Technical Specialist Planning Officer recommended a further amendment to condition 6 to ensure that the track would be removed from site within nine months from the commencement of its construction. 

During the debate, Members of the Committee expressed various concerns, particularly in relation to HGV movements along the narrow, winding route through Oswestry to the proposed Renewable Energy Park, however they were reassured that the Traffic Management Plan would adequately address the issues raised.  Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, the majority of members expressed their support for the proposals.

The Committee added that they wished the concerns raised to be communicated to Powys County Council as part of the consultation process for the Renewable Energy Park.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted, in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, subject to:

·         The conditions set out in Appendix 1 of the report; and

·         The amendments to conditions 5 and 6 as follows:

5. No construction work shall commence until a scheme of reinstatement, including timescales for implementation, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, for the modified site entrance associated with the Renewable Energy Park.  The site access shall be reinstated in accordance with the approved scheme.

Reason: To conserve rural character in the vicinity of the development.

6. The temporary access track shall be removed from site within nine months from commencement of its construction(date to be provided to the Local Planning Authority with photographic evidence), or within four weeks following first generation from the associated Cefn y Maes Community Renewable Energy Park, whichever is sooner.

Reason: To protect the visual character of the area.