Electricity cable and transformer at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm, Gelligaer, Hengoed

“Description and Location of Development: Install a cable, transformer unit and associated works with the cable run being provided between Gellargwellt Uchaf Farm and Tredomen Business Park - Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm, Gelligaer Road, Gelligaer Hengoed, CF82 8FY”

“Site description: The proposed cable route is to provide electricity generated from the existing Anaerobic Digestion Facility at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm to the Caerphilly Council Tredmen Park Campus. Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm is a mixed-use complex that includes a range of agricultural and industrial operations, including a Quarry, Green Waste Facility, Anaerobic Digestion facility and Materials Recycling Facility, all under the control of the applicant.”

“PLANNING HISTORY 2010 TO PRESENT None relevant to this application.”

“The proposal is described by the applicant as development which aims to directly supply renewable electricity generated at the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm to the Council offices, advancing local energy resilience and decarbonisation goals.”

“It is considered that the proposal to utilise power from Anaerobic Digestion (Food Waste) would align with Policy 17 - Renewable and Low Carbon Energy and Associated Infrastructure of National Planning Policy document Future Wales: The National Plan 2040. The cabling and transformer would be associated infrastructure to enable the existing AD facility to provide electricity to the Tredomen Campus Council offices.”

“The proposed cabling will be buried underground and therefore the long term visual impact on the amenity of the area is considered to be very limited with only potentially a small run of cabling over a bridge and the proposed transformer which is to be located on the existing Tredomen Business Park being visible.”

“The route runs through Parc Penallta Country Park which is designated as a Country Park under Policy LE3.4 (Protection of Country Parks) however the Country Park is within the ownership of the Council and therefore the developer will be required to obtain separate permission to undertake any works on this land meaning the Council retains control over the works to the Country Park.”

“Senior Arboricultural Officer (Trees) - With regards to this application, I have the following observations. Placing an underground electric cable through this site will have adverse effects on some of the trees.”

“Landscape Architect - CCBC - Raises some concerns on the potential to impact trees, recommends the Council's Arboricultural Officer be consulted and suggests planning conditions for a Construction Environmental Management Plan and A Landscape and Ecology Masterplan.”

“It was moved and seconded that, subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the recommendation be agreed. By way of Microsoft Forms and verbal confirmation this was agreed by majority present.”

“RESOLVED that subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the application be GRANTED.”