Synchronous condenser amendments at Land At Craig-evan-leyshon Common Road, Llanfabon

“Description and Location of Development: Vary conditions 2 (Plans), 7 (materials), 10 (Boundary treatments) and 11 (Verification report) of planning permission 23/0470/FULL (Erect a synchronous condenser with ancillary infrastructure and associated works including access and landscaping, and a cable connection to the adjacent existing substation for the purpose of supplying grid stability to the National Grid as part of their pathfinder 3 initiative) - Land At Grid Ref…”

“Development: Vary conditions 2 (Plans), 7 (materials), 10 (Boundary treatments) and 11 (Verification report) of planning permission 23/0470/FULL (Erect a synchronous condenser with ancillary infrastructure and associated works including access and landscaping, and a cable connection to the adjacent existing substation for the purpose of supplying grid stability to the National Grid as part of their pathfinder 3 initiative)”

“Site description: The application site is primarily formed of a field located to the east of the Cilfynydd Substation. Construction on the development is underway.”

“Ancillary development, e.g. parking: Filter drains, drainage basin; Oil Separator and Oily Water Pit and an attenuation swale; Timber Post and Rail fencing 1.2m high; Paladin Fencing powder coated green 2.5m high with electric fencing above 1m high (total height 3.5m); Palisade Fencing galvanised 2.5m high with electric fencing above 1m high (total height 3.5m); CCTV system, lighting (complying with International Darksky Association) (IDA) approval); and Underground cable…”

“PLANNING HISTORY 2010 TO PRESENT 23/0470/FULL - Erect a synchronous condenser with ancillary infrastructure and associated works including access and landscaping, and a cable connection to the adjacent existing substation for the purpose of supplying grid stability to the National Grid as part of their pathfinder 3 initiative - Granted - 14.12.2023”

“24/0641/COND - Discharge of conditions 03 (Construction Environmental Manage Plan) and 06 (Construction Traffic Management Plan) of Planning consent 23/0470/FULL (Erect a synchronous condenser with ancillary infrastructure and associated works including access and landscaping, and a cable connection to the adjacent existing substation for the purpose of supplying grid stability to the National Grid as part of their pathfinder 3 initiative) - Decided - 28.10.2024”

“In terms of the above referenced changes and their impacts on the development as approved it is noted that there are some amendments to the overall floorspace of the development, partly due to the external plant/equipment particularly the Auxiliary Transformers now being proposed to be enclosed within a "lean-to" housing at the rear of the main building with an associated increase in the main building from the originally approved 1,720sqm to 1,925.02sqm.”

“It is considered that the cumulative impact of all proposed changes will not have any materially adverse impacts on the area or upon neighbour amenity and the development remains acceptable.”

“It is noted that the coolers as approved are enclosed by a 3.5-metre-high acoustic barrier wrapping around the easternmost corner of the coolers. This has been replaced by a 4.5m high barrier in the same position however with a slightly different configuration.”

“The drainage strategy has also been amended to allow for the following amendments that are also included on the enclosed revised plans: - The final surface finishes within the compound area, which required additional capacity in the sustainable surface water drainage system; - Removal of the oily water pit; - Removal of the switchgear control room; - Connecting the drainage of the cooler and transformer bunds to an oily water separator and then to the approved surface water…”

“All construction traffic associated with the site shall be managed in accordance with SWECO Construction Traffic Management Plan Revision P05 dated 02/10/25, as agreed by decision reference number 25/0561/COND.”

“Environmental Health Manager - Environmental Health are satisfied with the updated acoustic report provided and will therefore accept the amendment of the verification condition to include reference to the updated report. The verification condition cannot be discharged until the site is fully operational and a noise report is produced to confirm that the noise produced is as the modelling suggests.”

“Response: Representations have been received from four persons.”

“Summary of observations: - Publicity period should be extended as it covers the Christmas period; - Works applied for have already proceeded so why is this not a retrospective planning application, the concrete was poured months ago and the buildings erected weeks ago; - Lack of monitoring works they are not doing their statutory duty; - Visual impact of the larger barriers; - Three sides of this development are neglected for impact to the character of the area of Llanfabon…”

“The Planning Case Officer presented the application, with it confirmed in the accompanying report that the recommendation in respect of the proposal had taken full account of, and was in conformity with, both Future Wales and Planning Policy Wales Edition 12.”

“Following consideration of the application it was moved and seconded that, subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the recommendation be approved. By way of Microsoft Forms (and in noting there were 13 For, 0 Against and 0 Abstentions) this was unanimously agreed.”

“The Sustainable Drainage Approval process is a technical approval independent of the need to obtain planning permission, and as such you are advised to contact the Sustainable Drainage Approval Body. Their details are provided below:”

“Warning: A European protected species (EPS) Licence is required for this development. This planning permission does not provide consent to undertake works that require a EPS licence. It is an offence to deliberately capture, kill or disturb EPS or to recklessly damage or destroy their breeding sites or resting places. If found guilty of any offences, you could be sent to prison for up to 6 months and/or receive an unlimited fine.”