Application for a new substation, associated infrastructure, landscaping and new access road.
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Stephen W. Churchman
Link
to relevant background documents
Minutes:
Application for a new sub-station, associated infrastructure and new access road.
(a) The Planning Manager elaborated on the background of the application and noted that the site was located to the south-east of
Bryncir on relatively flat ground that
consisted of pastoral fields with an
area of marshy grassland. It was noted that the 400kv Pentir -
Trawsfynydd overhead electricity
line ran along the western edge of the site, and the site was accessed from the north via an
existing farm access. A Public Footpath went through the site and would need to be diverted to facilitate the sub-station. It would entail altering the existing access from the main trunk road (A487) to facilitate construction traffic to enter and leave the site.
Reference was made to the relevant policies along with the public consultations and attention was drawn to the late comments received from the Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service that stated that a statutory
planning condition should be imposed regarding the submission of a
plan and report on archaeological work. In addition, during the meeting an e-mail
was distributed to Members
by the Local Member stating that he
had no objection to the application in principle and accepting its strategic importance,
however, he would welcome mitigating
measures for working hours in
order to reduce any impact on
the neighbours. It was also
noted that the Community
Council had no objection.
The
application site was identified as a favourable location for the new sub-station out of a short-list of local options. It was considered that the need had been proven and the proposal and choice of site was acceptable.
The
planning officers considered that the proposal was acceptable in terms of general
and residential visual amenities. In terms of transportation
matters, the application could be approved subject to a planning condition requiring prior approval for the alterations of the access to the trunk road and the submission of a Construction Traffic
Management Plan before the development could commence. The proposal was considered acceptable subject to a relevant condition.
Following all the planning considerations, it was considered
that the proposal was not contrary to relevant policies and the proposal would not have any detrimental impact in the long-term and therefore it was recommended for approval in
accordance with the conditions listed in the report as well as the following additional conditions:
·
Condition to ensure the diversion /safeguarding of public footpath
·
Archaeological condition
·
Working hours condition
(b) It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
(c)
A member noted that
he would not be supporting this application, bearing in mind the pylons,
wind turbines, water treatment works that already
existed and disfigured the area, and this application added to these industries.
Resolved: To approve with the following conditions:
1. Five years
2. Ensure that the development is
completed in accordance with the submitted plans.
3. Finish to be agreed (including the
colour of the fence)
4. Agree
on a scheme to dispose of foul and surface water
5. Agree on a construction environmental
management plan
6. Agree
on a construction traffic control plan and receive the approval of the Welsh
Government's Trunk Roads Unit on access matters (and any relevant additional
conditions).
7. Complete
the landscaping within the first planting season following proposal completion.
8. Ensure the diversion /safeguarding of
public footpath
9. Archaeological condition
10. Working hours
Welsh
Water Note
Supporting documents: