Solar farm at Parcel 1643, Middle Piece Lane, Keynsham

“The site is formed of 4 fields, identified within this report as fields 1, 2, 3 and 4. Field 1 is the northern most field, then working clockwise around the site. The whole site measures approximately 28.2 hectares in total. The area of the site proposed to be covered by solar panels is approximately 18 hectares.”

“23/03653/SCREEN - Request for an EIA Screening Opinion in relation to a proposed ground mounted solar array and associated infrastructure.”

“Harm to the Green Belt has been identified through the development causing encouragement, contrary to a fundamental aim of the Green Belt. The development is as such identified as inappropriate development and this is by nature harmful and afforded substantial weight. The openness of the area is a key characteristic of this part of the landscape.”

“In this instance, very special circumstances do not clearly outweigh the substantial harm caused to the Green Belt by way of inappropriate development and the significant harm to the landscape that would also be caused. When considering the significant harm to the Green Belt and the Landscape, weighed together this harm out outweigh the benefits arising from renewable energy development.”

“Environment Agency: Withdrawal of previous objection, subject to conditions…”

“Landscape: Objection Significant harm caused to the landscape setting Mitigation insufficient to protect landscape Assessment of alternatives insufficient…”

“Green Belt The proposed development represents inappropriate development in the Green Belt. Very special circumstances do not exist to clearly outweigh the harm caused by the inappropriate development, harm to openness and the other harms identified. The development is as such contrary to policy CP8 of the Bath and North East Somerset Core Strategy, GB1 of the Placemaking Plan, and part 13 of the NPPF.”

“Landscape The proposed development is considered to result in significant harm to the landscape and its setting due to the scale and location of development. It would fail to conserve or enhance local landscape character, landscape features and local distinctiveness. The application is as such contrary to policy NE2 and NE2a of the Bath and North East Somerset Placemaking Plan.”