Synchronous condenser facility at Land to the North of Ham Lane, Woolavington, Bridgwater

A synchronous condenser facility for the grid

The application proposed building and operating a synchronous condenser facility with associated infrastructure, access, landscaping and drainage.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider for the Construction and operation of a Synchronous Condenser (Grid Stability) Facilities, with associated ancillary infrastructure, buildings, access, landscaping land reprofiling, drainage and associated works.”

Minutes

Parish council sought a deferral

Woolavington Parish Council asked for a deferral pending a tender outcome, questioned the site choice, and asked for construction traffic to avoid the village.

“The Councillors were addressed by Woolavington Parish Council, and the following points were raised:”

“Requested the Committee defer determination until the NESO tender outcome is known, due to the same unusual situation of two competing schemes for identical infrastructure. • Raised If both applications are approved, the unsuccessful bidder would retain permission, resulting in an established development principle on the site despite no scheme being delivered. • Warned that permission could later be used to justify other developments (e.g.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The parish council and the planning agent addressed councillors.

Concern about a fallback permission

Councillors worried that approving both competing schemes would leave a fallback permission on the unsuccessful site; officers said future proposals would still need to meet policy.

“Councillors highlighted continued unease that decisions were being made before knowing which scheme would proceed. Officers reiterated no planning grounds to defer and the tender process is separate and not a material planning consideration. • Councillors raised concern that granting both schemes would leave a fallback permission on the unsuccessful site and enable future alternative uses, including other energy infrastructure.”

Minutes

Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 9 votes to 0 with one abstention.

“After deliberations Councillor Bolt proposed to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Clayton.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission with the additional conditions of Highways condition survey and the Additional conditions as presented in the Update Note Supplement document; the final wording of these conditions to be delegated to the Area Planning Manager in consultation with the Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee – North.”

Minutes