Ground-mounted solar farm at Chads Farm, Barhill Drive, Malpas

What was proposed

A 15-megawatt solar farm would operate for 40 years, with panels, substations, tracks, fencing, CCTV, landscaping and biodiversity improvements.

“The proposal is for the construction, operation and decommissioning of a ground mounted solar farm with a maximum export capacity of 15 megawatts, as well as ancillary equipment including a substation, electrical inverters, a transform station, internal access tracks, perimeter fencing, CCTV, landscaping and biodiversity enhancement, for 40 years. The site would be returned to agricultural use.”

“The proposal is a revised scheme and layout that addresses the presence of deep peat deposits across the site which was identified as part of the planning application process as well as a revised access track around Barnhill Farmhouse. Previously panels were located in the southeastern field and most northern part of the northern field. These panels have been relocated to the western side of the application site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 38.44-hectare agricultural site lies in a level valley landscape, crossed by public rights of way and near listed buildings, roads and waterways.

“The 38.44 ha application site consists of agricultural land at Chads Farm, Barnhill Drive, Tushingham, within a level valley landscape associated with Grindley Brook and Llangollen Canal. The A49 lies to the east with A41 located on higher ground to the west. The main development site comprises 7 medium scale fields. The majority of three fields would be used to accommodate solar panels and over half of three other fields.”

“Public Byway BY19 bisects the main site along north west to south east alignment. South of the site it links with Willeymoor Lane and coincides with the Bishop Bennet Way. To the north, the BY19 leads across the main site and continues along the sites north western edge as Public Bridleway BR10. The Cheshire Sandstone Trail and ridge lie to the west.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history associated with the application site.

“There is no relevant planning history associated with the application site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a protected-species licence, mitigation and planning conditions, because the proposal’s benefits outweighed identified policy conflicts and harms.

“In summary, the development would result in benefits in terms of contribution to national and local net zero climate change targets, assisting with energy security and decarbonisation; improved equestrian access by upgrading latches and gate along Byway19; local employment during construction; ecological enhancement including peatland restoration and fen habitat creation, hedgerow and watercourse enhancements; and agricultural diversification enhancing the resilience of…”

“Subject to confirmation from Natural England that the European protected Species licence has been granted, appropriate mitigation, and the imposition of a number of suitably worded planning conditions, it is recommended that the application be approved.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection, subject to conditions covering peat, drainage, ecology, landscape, highways, noise, archaeology and other matters.

“United Utilities – No objection subject to 1. Drainage condition: As set out in Foul & Surface Drainage Design Drawing and no surface water to drain into public sewer, 2. Sustainable Drainage management & maintenance plan for the duration of the development.”

“Landscape – No objection subject to conditions: Detailed Planting Plans for a Landscape Environment Management Pan (LEMP), 3. Decommissioning landscape plans, 4. Long term Management & maintenance Plan…”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Twenty-one representations raised concerns about landscape, heritage, wildlife, traffic, flooding, peat, security lighting, noise and the 40-year duration, while also identifying benefits.

“Notice has been posted on site and in the local press. Twenty-one representations have been received and the following points have been raised.”

“Poor communication over application with local residents by Applicant • Impact on landscape • Impact upon historic environment, heritage assets and their settings • Visual impact • Impact upon existing wildlife and habitats/ marsh land • Highway safety during construction and decommissioning • 40 years too long • Effect enjoyment of use of PROW • Wrong location • Impact of perimeter security lighting • Impact upon value of property • Noise impact • Local renewable energy…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke on the application.

The vote

The proposal to approve the application, subject to the report’s conditions, received nine votes in favour and one abstention.

“Members noted the significant Biodiversity Net Gain provided. A proposal to approve the application, subject to the conditions set out in the report was passed with 9 votes in favour and one abstention. DECIDED: That the application be approved.”

Minutes