Installation and operation of a ground mounted photovoltaic (pv) solar farm on 6.9 hectares of agricultural land together with connection equipment, security fence, CCTV camera's composting toilet and transformer, storage, substation and management structures / cabinets and construction of an access track.
Local Member: Councillor Aled Ll. Evans
Minutes:
Installation and operation of photovoltaic
(pv) solar farm on 6.9 hectares of agricultural land,
along with ancillary equipment, security fence, CCTV, composting toilet,
transformer structures / cabins, storage, sub-station and management and
creation of new track.
(a)
The Development
Control Officer expanded on the application’s background and noted that the
site measured approximately 6.9 hectares and comprised grazing land situated on
a fairly level plateau. It was added that the site was in open countryside in
the undulating landscape between the higher grounds in
the centre of Llŷn and Cardigan Bay with mature
hedgerows and cloddiau
surrounding the site. It
was noted that the site was visible from some private houses,
however, it was proposed to reinforce the hedgerows and plant more trees to
ensure that there would be no significant detrimental impact on the area’s
landscape. It was highlighted that the Biodiversity Unit had
raised some concerns regarding the possible impact on habitats and protected
species by statue, however, it was thought that this could be overcome by
ensuring mitigation and management measures for the site – it was stated that
discussions were continuing between the Unit and the developers.
Consequently, it was
considered that the proposal was not contrary to relevant policies and was
acceptable subject to relevant conditions.
Attention was drawn to
the additional observations that had been received.
(b)
Taking advantage
of the right to speak, the applicant’s agent noted the following main points:-
·
The application
was in accordance with local and national planning guidance.
·
The site had been
screened well and it was proposed to plant more hedgerows, hay meadows full of
wildflowers and to erect nesting boxes for birds and bats.
·
Discussions were
being undertaken regarding biodiversity plans.
·
That grazing use
would continue on the site and at the end of the application period the land
would return back into full agricultural use.
·
There was
suitable access to the site.
·
A great deal of
information had been shared with the local community.
·
Clean energy was
a valuable resource that was to be welcomed.
(c)
It was proposed
and seconded to undertake a site visit.
A vote was taken on the proposal and it failed.
It was proposed and
seconded to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation.
(ch) The
following observations were noted in favour of the recommendation:
·
The patterns
supporting the rural areas were changing – Gwynedd was not a recreation park,
it had to be accepted that this was the livelihood of rural residents that
would ensure their future.
·
It was important
to retain ‘pretty landscape' but it was also important to ensure that the landscape
could also support livelihoods.
(d) The following
observations were noted contrary to the recommendation:
·
A site visit was
encouraged as there were private houses nearby.
In response to the above
observations, the officers noted that no objection had been received from the
public to the application.
RESOLVED
To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to
approve the application subject to the applicant reaching agreement on
appropriate mitigation measures to protect biodiversity features and to agree
on the most appropriate road to reach the site along with relevant planning
conditions relating to:
1. The commencement time of the development;
2. To complete the development in accordance with the plans;
3. The panels must be located as shown in
the plans, or as agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority;
4. Agree on the materials/colour of the
frames and anti-glare covers;
5. To agree on the colour of the fence and camera poles;
6. Agree and complete a landscaping plan
and a landscape management plan;
7. Agree on and implement a Surface Water
Management Plan and a Construction Environmental Management Plan;
8. Agree on and implement a Biodiversity Management Plan;
9. Agree on and implement an Archaeological
Works Programme;
10. No construction work during the bird nesting season;
11. Soil Management Plan;
12. Any electricity cables from the
development to link to the electricity connection should be installed
underground, and this should be agreed beforehand with the Local Planning
Authority;
13. Within 30 years and 6 months of
completing the development or if the solar panels approved in this application remain
unused for the purposes of generating electricity for 12 months, they must be
permanently removed from the land and the site should be restored to its
original condition;
14. Welsh Water standard conditions;
15. Agree on the external materials of all buildings;
16. Highways conditions;
17. Agree on a lighting plan.
Supporting documents: