Solar and battery energy park at Land Across Two Parcels West Of Coalburns Substation To The South West Of The Village Of Greenside And North West Of

The site and its surroundings

The 110-hectare site covered two separate agricultural areas in the Green Belt, near Greenside and Chopwell, in a rural elevated landscape.

“Both areas are surrounded by agricultural fields interspersed with farms, commercial businesses and residential houses. The site occupies a significantly large area of land, in an elevated location, with part of the site facing northwest to the Tyne Valley and another facing south over the Derwent Valley.”

“The application site is allocated as Green Belt, within a medium landscape sensitivity on the Council’s Local Plan Policies Map. An area of Ancient Woodland (Guards Wood and Clinty Wood) is located adjacent to the west side of the northern parcel, which is within an area of high landscape sensitivity. The site comprises agricultural land, none of which is classified as Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because renewable energy and biodiversity benefits outweighed substantial Green Belt and landscape harm, subject to referral and legal obligations.

“The site is located within grey belt in the Green Belt, but is considered to be inappropriate development. Very special circumstances are therefore required to be demonstrated, which clearly outweigh the harm to the Green Belt, and any other harm resulting from the proposal.”

“- the urgent need to secure renewable energy and the planning and energy policy support for delivery - the declared climate emergency of the UK Government and Gateshead Council - provision of Energy Security through generating energy from clean, cheap source - proximity to grid connection with available capacity - delivery of significant Biodiversity Net Gain - temporary and reversible impact - substantive landscape improvements through landscape planting, new hedges and…”

Officer report

What residents said

There were 140 objections and 26 supporting representations, alongside a 476-signature petition opposing the development.

“In total 166 representations have been received – 140 objections, 26 in support (including a ward Councillor). Some individuals have submitted more than one representation.”

“A petition signed by 476 people, objecting to the development, has also been received, which has been complied and submitted by ‘Our Greenside Matters Community Group’.”

Officer report

Main public concerns

Objectors cited Green Belt loss, visual and landscape harm, wildlife, traffic, noise, safety, flooding, public rights of way and residential impacts.

“- Loss of Green Belt - It is within the Green Belt and should be disregarded from the outset. - Other non Green Belt land should be used instead - Put solar panels on brownfield land on houses, on public buildings and car parks instead. - Incompatible and unacceptable use of land - Does not meet the criteria for Very Special Circumstances - 40 years is not a temporary time period…”

“- Loss of light - Loss of privacy - Will harm residential amenity - Loss of views - Overlooking from security cameras - Too close to houses - Noise, light and dust pollution - Glint and glare nuisance - Introducing risk, fire, toxic fumes, dust and noise to an area…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Councillor Jamie Park and one speaker spoke in favour, while two speakers spoke against the application.

The committee decision

The committee granted permission subject to Secretary of State referral, a Section 106 agreement, specified obligations and planning conditions.

“That permission be GRANTED subject to the Secretary of State and a Section 106 agreement.”

“3) That the Service Director of Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport be authorised to add, delete, vary and finalise the wording of the planning conditions set out below as necessary.”

Minutes