20 free-standing solar panels at Land To The South Of Balmer Cottage Balmer Lane, Eggleston

What was proposed

The application sought four rows of five ground-mounted solar panels for use with the nearby dwelling, with a new eastern boundary hedgerow.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the installation of 4 rows of 5 ground mounted solar panels for use with Balmer Cottage. According to the supporting documents each row of solar panels would measure approximately 1.7m deep by a length of 7.25m, protruding up to 1.5m above ground level. The applicant is proposing to provide natural screening through the planting of a hedgerow along the Eastern boundary of the site.”

“The application is being reported to South West Area Planning Committee at the request of former Councillor Henderson on the grounds of the impact of the solar panels on the surrounding landscape given their distance from the host dwelling.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is grassed land beside a dwelling in open countryside, within an Area of Higher Landscape Value and near the North Pennines National Landscape.

“The application site relates to a parcel of grassed land adjacent to the garden area associated with Balmer Cottage which is a two-storey semi-detached dwelling on the outskirts of Eggleston within the open countryside. The dwellinghouse benefits from a garden to the rear which is enclosed by a drystone wall.”

“The site lies within an Area of Higher Landscape Value, with the North Pennines National Landscape located within 170m to the east, and slopes down towards the south west.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the site.

“There is no relevant planning history relating to the application site.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The parish council and two neighbours objected, while four letters supported the proposal and internal consultees raised no objections.

“Eggleston Parish Council – Object to the proposals due to the exposed location of the site, considering they should be sited on the roof and that the number of panels proposed is excessive.”

“Four letters of support have also been received, considering that the solar panels would make efficient use of rough terrain land, and that renewable energy should be encouraged and can help to reduce energy costs.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the proposal, and the applicant attended to answer members’ questions.

The vote

The application was moved and seconded for approval, then approved unanimously.

“Councillor A Schulman had been on the site visit and had found the land unobtrusive and moved the application to be approved. This was seconded by Councillor I Catchpole.”

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions in the report.”

Minutes

Conditions

Approval included conditions covering commencement, approved plans, biodiversity management and monitoring, and planting and maintaining the eastern hedgerow.

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans listed in Part 3 - Approved Plans.”

“The hedgerow shown on Proposed Site Plan C-02 received on the 21st August 2025 shall be planted in the first planting season following the installation of the solar panels in accordance with the details contained within the document titled Supplemental Information for Hedging (2) dated 7th August 2025. The hedgerow shall be maintained for a minimum of five years.”

Officer report