Installation of a solar park with an output of approximately 10.71MW on land associated with Upper Meadowley Farm (revised description).

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application and with reference to the drawings and photomontages displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location, layout, elevations, bridleway diversion, landscape designations, heritage assets and access routes.  He confirmed that Members had undertaken a site visit the previous day and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.  He further drew Members’ attention to the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated the previous day and particularly drew attention to the Planning Officer’s comments on page 3 of the Further Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting with regard to heritage assets, listed buildings and their settings pointing out the special regard to be had in relation to heritage assets.

Mr W Cash, a local resident, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees and responded to questions from members of the Committee. 

Mr S Newell, the agent, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees and responded to questions from members of the Committee.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Robert Tindall, 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 his statement, the following points were raised:

·         He had two potential concerns both of which he considered had been addressed.  Firstly, with regard to the proximity of Upton Cressett Hall, he expressed his satisfaction with the view of Historic England that the Hall would not be affected by this proposal; and

·         Secondly, he referred to the consequences of taking best and most versatile land out of production but acknowledged that the applicant had endeavoured to use only grade 3b land and drew the meeting’s attention to paragraph 6.2.9 of the report.

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.  In response to questions from Members, the Technical Specialist Planning Officer clarified that the Tasley Farm application had been refused because of its impact on heritage assets and not on the use/loss of agricultural land; and, although a proportion of the Meadowley site comprised best and most versatile land, Planning Officers had been satisfied that the applicant had submitted sufficient evidence to justify the use of such land.  Members acknowledged that there had been much support for this application, noted and had special regard to the heritage settings, and noted that there were unlikely to be other preferable sites within a 3km radius of the proposed connection point.  In order to minimise the impact on public rights of way, a Member requested that any gaps in the hedgerow be planted expeditiously and prior to any installation of solar panels.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 to the report, planning permission be granted as per the Officer’s recommendation.