Construction of a solar farm with associated infrastructure
for connection to electricity
distribution network, access track, temporary construction compound, security fencing and ecological and landscape enhancement measures.
Local Member: Councillor Peter Read
Minutes:
Construction of solar farm with associated works to
link with the electricity distribution network, access road, temporary building
compound, security fencing and ecological improvements and landscaping.
(a)
The Development
Control Officer expanded on the application’s background and noted that the
application site measured approximately 11.56 hectares and comprised six grade
3 and 4 agricultural fields. The fields
were described as managed flat pasture with a slight slope, located in open
countryside with a thick row of mature trees east of the site
and hedgerows around the majority of the field boundaries. It was added that the site was within the Llŷn and Bardsey Island
Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and the AONB was approximately 2km
North West.
It was noted that policy
C27 of the GUDP stated that
proposals for renewable energy and sustainable energy management schemes will
be approved provided that a series of criteria relating to the impact on the
visual quality of the landscape and environmental and social factors can be
met. In terms of landscaping the site, it was reported that
it was proposed to leave the area under the solar panels as grazing land and it
was considered that the landscaping details submitted were acceptable. However, it was highlighted that a
landscaping management plan should be submitted and agreed to ensure that the
landscaping is maintained to a high standard over the plan’s lifetime. It would be necessary to reinforce hedgerows and plant additional trees
and once these would have developed the screening would be effective.
Although the site was
located within 200m to three grade II listed byres at Fferm Llwyndyrys, it was not
considered that the development would have a detrimental impact on the setting
of the listed buildings or on the relationship of the listed buildings with the
adjacent agricultural land. It was noted that the development’s
proposal was acceptable and only sections of it would be visible. No local objections to the application had been received. The proposal was not considered to be contrary to relevant policies and
it was therefore acceptable for approval subject to planning conditions.
(b)
Taking advantage
of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following observations:-
·
That it would be
clean and sustainable energy.
·
The land was low
quality agricultural land but it was possible to continue to graze sheep on it.
·
That there was
good communication with the local community – there was no local objection to
the application.
·
It was proposed
to plant additional hedgerows.
·
The land would be
developed by promoting a biodiversity scheme.
·
There were three
uses for the land – for grazing sheep, ecological services and sustainable
energy.
It was proposed and
seconded to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation.
(c)
During the
discussion, the following main observations were made:
·
Need to challenge
the statement that the quality of land in Llŷn
was of a low standard – it was different and not poorer. The land was a rare
habitat for species.
·
Concern regarding
the impact of solar farms on the County and therefore a full report was needed
on the number submitted / approved.
·
That the
development created a visual impact from the AONB.
·
Concern that the
road through Llwyndyrys was narrow and therefore it
was necessary to ensure that the flow of traffic was controlled.
·
There was no
change in land use – sheep would continue to graze.
·
Agriculture as an
industry should be supported – creating additional money for farmers.
RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with
the recommendation:
Conditions
1. Five years
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 external materials of all
the buildings, fence and camera poles.
5. Agree on the materials/colour of the
frames and anti-glare covers;
6. Undertake work in accordance with the landscaping
scheme during the first planting season following commencement.
7. Submit and agree on the long term landscaping
management plan.
8. Highway
conditions
9. Work traffic
flow and timing management plan.
10. Biodiversity conditions – to include,
submission of Surface Water scheme, submission of Biodiversity Management Plan,
no clearance during nesting season, agree on fence details and on lighting
plan.
11. Submit an archaeological programme prior
to commencement of work.
12. Any electricity cables from the
development to the electricity connection should be installed underground, and
this should be agreed beforehand with the Local Planning Authority
13. 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 site and the site should be
restored to its original condition
14. Safeguarding
water courses.
15. Act in accordance with the Drainage
Strategy
16. Operational/decommissioning period of
the site
17. Agree on a lighting plan
Supporting documents: