30MW solar farm at Land At Hook Lane, Malshanger

“The main part of the application is the solar array and skylark mitigation. The solar array is within two fields and a third field is skylark mitigation. These fields are adjacent to the boundary of North Wessex Downs National Landscape (NWDNL) which runs along the north and west of the application site. The boundaries of these fields vary with a mixture of vegetation of differing densities, heights and species.”

“Cable routes (East and north) - To the north of the solar array field travelling east west along BOAT 15 then using BOAT 9 to travel north. - At the junction of BOAT 15 and the public highway the cable route splits travelling east and south.”

“The proposed development would impact on the local landscape character and visual apperance of the area and the setting of the National Landscape, however due to the nature of the site, local characteristics and the proposed landscaping to be secured through planning conditions, the harmful impacts would be partially mitigated whilst delivering a form of energy from a renewable resource.”

“The proposal is within the setting of Tangiers House (Grade II* listed) and is considered to result in less than substantial harm to the significance of designated heritage asset which varies from a lower level to a moderate level depending on proximity to Tangiers House and the levels of the undulating local landscape.”

“The Committee discussed the proposed application and felt that although there was a negative impact on the landscape character of the area, on balance the benefit of the renewable energy scheme outweighed the harm.”

“Whilst the proposal would cause disruption during the construction phase. Members referred to the assessment of the Highway Authority who considered the operation of the highway would be manageable through conditions.”

“RESOLVED that: the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions listed below and that authority is delegated to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure to authorise the making of an order for diversion of any footpath under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act as it is necessary to enable the development to be carried out in accordance with the application for planning permission…”