Substation cable replacement at Pentir Substation, Bangor

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing existing underground cables, installing new cross-site cables and carrying out associated works at the existing substation.

“Bryncir - New substation south of the village of Bryncir and associated infrastructure, and supporting works, including a new access road from the A487 and upgrades to an existing agricultural access track, and new 132 kV underground cables linking to the existing Electricity Networks overhead line. A planning application has been submitted under the reference C25/0949/36/EIA.”

“This site falls within the Eryri National Park area and a planning application has been submitted to the Park's Authority. Section 37 consent will be required under the Electricity Act 1989 for the following (the following are not subject to planning applications): Bryncir - Replacement of Tower 4ZC067 and cables at the proposed Bryncir Sub-station. Installing a fibre optic cable.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The works would take place within the existing substation footprint, using existing facilities, on a 1.5-hectare site outside the development boundary.

“The site of the proposed works, which is within the footprint of the existing Substation, is off the B4547 including the access road to the existing substation from the public highway. The proposed works site is approximately 4.5km south-west of Bangor. The proposed works cover approximately 1.5 hectares (ha), with the red line boundary comprising the existing access road, storage areas, welfare and office uniformity facilities, and a staff car park.”

“⁠The site of the application sits outside the development boundary as set out in the LDP. The site also sits within a Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest designation. A large part of the site is surrounded by a wildlife site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle and its environmental, landscape, residential, transport and heritage effects could be controlled.

“There would be no unacceptable cumulative impact on the landscape. Given the fairly concealed location of the proposed development, with existing screening, it is believed that this development blends in with the current nature of the landscape rather than creating an unacceptable cumulative effect. Where appropriate, the equipment shall be removed from the site at the end of the scheme's life.”

“Conclusions: The proposal includes a number of development elements that needed to be considered under many other planning policies and environmental legislation. It was considered that the principle of the main aspects of the development, which include work to install underground cables with the current site of the Pentir sub-station, together with associated works, was acceptable given all planning matters, including local and national planning policies and…”

Officer report

Public comments

The consultation period ended without any letters or correspondence objecting to the application.

“Public Consultation: A notice was posted on the site and nearby residents were notified. The advertisement period has expired and no letter / correspondence of objection was received…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s representatives described the network benefits, the existing-site works and why planning permission was required.

Committee discussion

Members heard that the project would increase transmission capacity, support renewable energy, protect amenities and comply with relevant planning policies.

“Reference was made to policy ISA 1 which was supportive of proposals regarding water, electricity, gas services, etc. to improve the local provision, subject to detailed planning considerations. In the context of policy ADN 3, although the development is not a renewable energy scheme, it would form part of the support network that could be used in managing the renewable supply. To this end, it could be considered part of the renewable energy network.”

Minutes