Solar panel microgrid at Land At (Os 7918 3325) Grove Farm, Pendock

What was proposed

The application proposed changing about 3.7 hectares of land to a microgrid solar array with approximately 5,800 panels, inverters, battery storage and fencing.

“The Site extends to approximately 3.7ha. The description given in the application form was amended with the applicant’s acceptance from: ‘change of use of land to provide a microgrid array of solar panels (to serve the site to the west for housing plus local amenity and other benefits)’ to: the change of use of land to provide for microgrid array of solar panels.”

“The application suggests the site is capable of generating over 2600 MWh per annum. The proposal seeks approximately 5800 Solar panels mounted at an angle of 35 degrees facing southwards with the array stood at their highest point 3.3m above the ground surface. There would be 125Kw inverters mounted under each of the rows that would connect each row to a central control point and grid connection interface.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is north of the M50, within the setting of the Malvern Hills National Landscape, beside public footpaths, agricultural land, equestrian buildings and a listed building.

“The application site lays within the setting of the Malvern Hills National Landscape. The Site lays on the north side of the M50 with the Site’s northern boundary is defined by the adjacent highway whereat the roadside hedgerow stands approximately 1.6m in height, although there are views of the field’s surface, from the highway across the site.”

“To the Site’s eastern boundary has an equestrian building, and across the highway from the site’s north-eastern corner there is ‘loose’ residential development that is set back from the roadside. A grade II listed building (Longhouse) stands across the road opposite the Site’s point of access for construction traffic and long-term site access.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history or pre-application engagement, while a separate application for 31 homes remained pending.

“The determination of a planning application is to be made pursuant to section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which is to be read in conjunction with section 70(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Section 38(6) requires the local planning authority to determine planning applications in accordance with the development plan, unless there are material circumstances which 'indicate otherwise'.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Forty-seven responses objected, citing harm to the rural landscape, noise, school amenity, agricultural land, flooding, highway safety, glint and glare, and health risks.

“- Landscape and AONB Setting, contrary to SWDP25 (Landscape Character) and the Malvern Hills AONB Management Plan (Policies BDP2, BDP4, BDP8). - Several public footpaths cross the site (including PK-545 C, PK-546 C, PK-547 C). The development would significantly intrude on their rural character, diminish enjoyment for users, and create safety risks during construction.”

“- Loss of usable farming land. - The land is currently productive farmland, which should be safeguarded under SWDP13 (Effective Use of Land) and NPPF paragraph 174. - The site is classified as Grade 3 agricultural land, which falls within the definition of Best and Most Versatile (Grades 1, 2, and 3a). The NPPF advises that renewable energy schemes should be guided away from BMV land and directed instead to poorer-quality land.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from a parish council representative, an objector, the applicant’s agent, a supporter and a nominated ward-member spokesperson.

The committee debate

Councillors spoke during discussion, followed by a motion to refuse planning permission contrary to the officer recommendation.

“Councillors M Allen, P Bennett, M Driscoll, B Nielsen, and J Owenson spoke to the item during the discussion.”

“A motion to REFUSE planning permission, contrary to officer recommendation, was proposed by Councillor J Owenson, seconded by Councillor P Bennett, and voted upon.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved full planning permission subject to a biodiversity net gain monitoring agreement, conditions and consideration of further representations.

“To approve planning permissions in line with officer recommendation and the updates. The officer recommendation was to delegate to the Director of Planning & Infrastructure the ability to GRANT full planning permission subject to:”

Minutes