Construction
of solar farm and associated work
LOCAL MEMBER:
Councillor Gweno Glyn
Link
to relevant background documents
Minutes:
Erection of
solar farm and associated works
(a) The
Development Control Manager expanded on the background of the application, and
noted that this was an application for the installation of photovoltaic (PV)
solar panels on agricultural land for a period of 30 years in order to create a
solar farm, along with supplementary works including the installation of
ancillary equipment to connect to the electricity network, building compound,
security fence, landscaping improvements and adaptations to the access. It was
explained that the application site was in open countryside amongst a rolling
landscape, and measured approximately 12 hectares (22.6 acres) and included agricultural
land located on a gentle slope approximately 700 metres south east of the
village of Botwnnog. It was noted that towards the
eastern boundary of the site there were mature trees with hedgerows surrounding
the majority of the fields.
Attention was drawn to the additional
observations submitted.
It was noted that Natural Resources Wales had
withdrawn its objection by now. It was highlighted that the main details of the
application had been included in the report and the relevant policies had been
listed.
In terms of principle, it was noted that the
proposal was acceptable and complied with the requirements of policy C1 of the
Unitary Development Plan. It was also added that there was a series of criteria
that should be considered when discussing sustainable renewable energy schemes
which involved an impact on the visual quality of the landscape as well as
social and environmental factors.
In response to an objection from the owner of a
nearby building, who objected on the grounds of an impact on the views from the
site and the impact of glint and glare, it was noted that there was an
intention to plant a hedgerow to grow to a height of 3m on the field's eastern
boundary. This would be a method of screening the proposal and reducing its
visual impact from the nearby property. In the context of glint and glare, it
was noted that a Glint Assessment received as part of the application
recognised that there was 'potential for glinting' but, with the existing
natural screening around the site and the proposal to plant a new hedgerow, it
is not considered that the proposal would cause significant harm in terms of
amenities.
In terms of transport and access matters it was
highlighted that the Transportation Unit was satisfied with the proposal in
relation to road safety, and recommended conditions involving completing the
entrance in line with the plans. In terms of Conservation and Archaeological
matters, it was noted that the fields' physical patterns would largely be
retained and in light of the site's location, the landscaping and landforms, it
was not considered that the proposal would significantly impact the Landscape
of Outstanding Historic Interest. It was explained that, although additional
observations had been received from the Gwynedd Archaeological Planning
Service, further work was being undertaken to deliver the information. In terms
of Biodiversity matters, it was noted that the Unit was of the opinion that
there was potential for biodiversity to benefit from the development in the
long term, and in light of its observations that the proposal was acceptable
and that it would not have a detrimental impact on protected species or their
habitats should it be managed in line with the proposed conditions.
It was not considered that the proposal was
contrary to any of the relevant policies and as highlighted in the report,
there was no relevant planning matter stating to the contrary. It was therefore
considered that the proposal was acceptable subject to relevant conditions and
the late information base, the recommendations and the additional information
which was yet to be received.
(b) Taking
advantage of the right to speak, the applicant’s representative noted the
following main points:-
• That
he was a member of the YnNi Llŷn
community group and that he welcomed the proposal
• That
the development was a step in the right direction in relation to reducing the
carbon footprint and carbon emission savings.
• The
community group was willing to assist and educate communities about renewable
energy
• The local community would benefit
from the proposal
• The
company would use local contractors to undertake the installation work as well
as boarders and caterers
• The
area's average energy costs survey had highlighted fuel poverty amongst residents
- the company had agreed to collaborate with YnNi Llŷn to address these matters.
(c) The
Local Member (who was not a member of this Planning Committee) noted:
• The development was relatively large
in size
• The development would create an
impact beyond the Botwnnog community
• A suggestion that a site visit should
be held
(ch) In response to these observations, the
Senior Planning Service Manager noted that a site visit could be arranged for
the Planning Committee to be able to consider the visual impact.
(d) It was proposed and seconded to visit
the site.
RESOLVED: To
organise that the Planning committee visits the site.
Supporting documents: