Solar panels and battery storage at Land At Uphouse Farm, Swaffham Road, South Raynham

What was proposed

The application proposed a ground-mounted solar array, battery storage, fencing, cabling, access tracks and landscaping on agricultural farmland.

“The proposed scheme involves installing a 2.408MW ground-mounted Solar PV system (comprising approximately 5,600 ground-mount solar photovoltaic panel arrays) on 3.55 hectares of agricultural farmland. In addition, a battery energy storage solution (BESS) of approximately 2.392MW is proposed. The project would include any associated infrastructure, including fencing, cabling, and access tracks.”

“Two additional access tracks will branch off this existing route to serve the site, minimising the need for new infrastructure. The tracks constructed using Type 2 hardcore and are required solely to provide access to the battery units. The system will not require any additional inverters on site, as Uphouse Farm already benefits from a smaller solar scheme approved in 2012 (Breckland Council, Ref: 3PL/2012/1333/F).”

Officer report

The site

The site covers about 3.55 hectares south of the A1065, within the countryside and a rolling open farmland landscape.

“The site lies within the Countryside for the purposes of the spatial strategy for the District • The site lies within Rolling Open Farmland Landscape Type as defined in the North Norfolk Landscape Character Assessment • The site lies within and areas Susceptible to groundwater flooding • The site is agricultural land graded 2 for the purposes of the agricultural land classification…”

“The site is located south of the A1065, designated as a ‘Principal Route’ and ‘Corridor of Movement’. Uphouse Farm and its farm structures lie west of the proposed site separated by an agricultural field and the large access track corridor. Along the main A1065 (Swaffham Road), a cluster of residential properties can be found at the junction with the local access track..”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier advice concerned a solar array and battery storage for Uphouse Farm to offset energy use and achieve energy sufficiency.

“DE21/24/0423: Proposed solar array and battery storage for the use of Uphouse Farm to offset their energy and become energy sufficient. - Advice Given (for pre-apps)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, finding the proposal acceptable in principle and consistent with relevant planning policies.

“NPPF paragraph 168 states that when determining planning applications for all forms of renewable and low-carbon development, local planning authorities should, amongst other things, “not require applicants to demonstrate the overall need for renewable and low-carbon energy, and give significant weight to the benefits associated with renewable and low carbon energy generation and the proposal’s contribution to a net zero future”.”

“For the reasons stated the proposed development is acceptable in principle in terms of CS policies SS 1, SS 2 and EN 7 and, is supported by national planning guidance in the NPPF.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council submitted no comments, while consultees raised no objections, with conditions requested on landscape, highways and heritage matters.

“Raynham Parish Council - No comments submitted.”

“County Council Highways – No objection, following submission of a Construction Traffic Management Plan. Conditions requested.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke to the committee during the public speaking part of the item.

What members discussed

Members supported the sustainable scheme but debated the loss of good agricultural land, food security, grazing, the 40-year limit and equipment removal.

“MacDonald acknowledged it was positive that the panels were raised to continue to allow grazing. c. Cllr Hankins and Cllr J Toye brought up matters relating to the 40 year limit and the removal of equipment, Cllr J Toye seeing it as a positive that the land was not permanently lost. d. Cllr Brown was happy to support the application and was pleased to note the condition regarding fire safety. Cllr Paterson proposed and Cllr Varley seconded the recommendation.”

Minutes

The vote

The recommendation was proposed and seconded, then approved by 12 votes in favour with two abstentions.

“It WAS RESOLVED by 12 votes in favour with 2 abstentions…”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officers’ recommendation.

“That Planning Application PF/25/0091 be approved in accordance with the Officers recommendation.”

Minutes