DNO substation enabling works at Solar Photovoltaic Farm 585790 314130 Land West Of Palgrave Road To The Southwest Of Great Dunham And Northwest Of

What was proposed

The application sought changes to conditions so four concrete pads could be laid for a relocated DNO substation before other details were approved.

“This application seeks to vary condition nos. 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21 & 22 of extant planning permission reference 3PL/2022/1215/F for the development of a solar farm at Great Dunham granted in March 2023.”

“The current proposals seek to vary the conditions listed below in order to enable the commencement of construction works to facilitate the DNO Substation only. The works involved comprise the laying of four concrete pads for the DNO substation, only, and the period of construction would last approximately 2 days.”

Officer report

The site

The site is agricultural land in several fields, with a cable route running about eight kilometres to a substation.

“The site comprises of approximately 94.4 hectares (ha) of agricultural land located, comprising 4 agricultural fields and parts of 3 additional fields, west of Palgrave Road, to the southwest of Great Dunham and northwest of Little Dunham, Breckland. The total site area comprises 103.6 ha when including the cable run, which travels approximately 8 kilometres (km) south to Swaffham substation.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

Permission for a solar farm with battery storage and associated infrastructure was granted in March 2023.

“There have been a number of historic planning applications on this site; the following are the most recent/relevant:”

“3PL/2022/1215/F - Construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic farm with battery storage and associated infrastructure, including inverters, substations, security cameras, fencing, access tracks and landscaping – Granted – 30/03/2023”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the changes minor, with no significant additional landscape, amenity, heritage or ecological harm and safeguards retained through varied conditions.

“The proposal seeks an amendment to the wording of conditions to enable the commencement of minor works on site to facilitate the DNO substation only. Given the minor scale, nature and type of these works, this is considered acceptable, subject to the imposition of varied conditions relating to archaeological watching brief, that these works are undertaken in accordance with an approved construction traffic management plan, surface water drainage plan, and precautionary…”

“The proposed amendment to relocate the DNO substation does not result in any significant impacts on the character of the landscape, residential amenity, heritage assets and nature conservation interests over the previously indicated layout. The proposals as varied are minor in scale and nature and would remain wholly within the scope of the extant planning permission for the site.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways, flood, ecology, trees, environmental health and heritage consultees raised no objections or supported the changes subject to specified safeguards.

“ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS I have looked at the application submitted and, based on the information provided to me at this time; there are no objections or comments on the grounds of Environmental Protection, following the amendments to the suggested condition variations.”

“LEAD LOCAL FLOOD AUTHORITY No objections, following submission of amended information.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Two objections challenged early construction, the relocated substation, reduced passing places and possible effects on landscape, roads, wildlife and nearby villages.

“The proposed changes are not minor. Relocating the DNO substation closer to the highway and allowing construction to commence before approval of access, off-site highway improvements, drainage, landscaping, archaeology and ecological management materially alters the manner in which development would proceed and changes the risk profile compared with the original approval. 2.”

“Allowing construction of the substation before these matters are agreed creates a real risk of irreversible harm. The relocation of the substation closer to the highway raises additional concerns regarding visual prominence, landscape character and highway safety. The reduction in the number of HGV passing places from twelve to six may exacerbate these risks, and it is unclear that the cumulative effects of these changes have been fully considered. 5.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant was identified as a speaker, and a representation was made under the committee’s public speaking arrangements.

Members’ consideration

Members considered and fully explored the application’s details against prevailing policies and guidance, with further information in the supplementary agenda.

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

“Further information had been included in the supplementary agenda.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted ten to one in support of the officer’s recommendation.

“DECISION: Members voted 10 X 1 in support of the Officer’s recommendation of approval; subject to the varied conditions as listed in the report.”

Minutes