36 ground-mounted solar panels at Field Barn Cottage, Wood Norton, Dereham

What was proposed

The application proposed 36 ground-mounted solar panels, up to 1.5 metres high, beside the western boundary of the property’s curtilage.

“WOOD NORTON – PF/25/1192 - Installation of 36 ground mounted solar panels. The panels will be mounted on a frame system and max height of 1.5m. They are to be mounted alongside the western boundary of our curtilage 2m away from the boundary at Field Barn Cottage, Wings Lane, Wood Norton, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 5DH”

“Proposal The application proposes the installation of 36 ground mounted solar panels. The panels will be mounted on a frame system and with a maximum height of 1.5 metres. They are to be sited alongside the western boundary of the property’s curtilage, 2 metres away from it.”

Officer report

The site

The panels would serve the host dwelling in the countryside, beside agricultural fields, with a dwelling to the west and access from Wings Lane.

“The site lies within the Countryside for the purposes of the Core Strategy’s spatial strategy Grade 3 Agricultural Land Classification Landscape Character Assessment – within the Tributary Farmland landscape type…”

“Site Description The proposed ground mounted solar panels would be sited on land associated with Field Barn Cottage and would serve the host dwelling. The application site is situated within an area designated as Countryside for the purposes of the adopted North Norfolk Core Strategy. The site is adjoined by agricultural fields to the north, east and south. There is a dwelling situated to the west. The site is accessed off Wings Lane to the South from Foulsham Road.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal complied with relevant policies and would have renewable energy and carbon reduction benefits.

“Relevant Core Strategy policies are supportive of this type of development, and it is considered that the proposal will not result in any significant adverse effects for the reasons stated above. The proposed development complies with all relevant policies and would have benefits in terms of renewable energy generation and carbon reduction in terms of climate change.”

“APPROVAL subject to conditions to cover the following matters: • Time Limit for commencement (3 years) • Development in accordance with the approved plans • Removal of equipment when no longer required • BNG implementation condition Final wording of conditions and any others considered to be necessary to be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning.”

Officer report

Main effects considered

Officers found no significant landscape, residential amenity or highway harm, and considered biodiversity gains could be secured by conditions.

“Principle of development 2. Effect on landscape 3. Effect on residential amenity 4. Whether the proposed development would have any effect on highway safety 5. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)”

“the surrounding landscape, townscape and historical features / areas; • residential amenity; • highway safety and; • biodiversity…”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The parish council made no comment, the landscape consultee raised no objection subject to a biodiversity condition, and no representations were received.

“Wood Norton Parish Council: No comments received to date.”

“North Norfolk District Council Landscape: No objection subject to the statutory BNG implementation condition.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer presented the report, while the local member said neither he nor the parish council objected and the panels were not obtrusive.

Committee debate

A member proposed approval and another member seconded the recommendation.

“Cllr Patterson proposed and Cllr Ringer seconded the recommendation for approval.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee unanimously approved the application.

“IT WAS RESOLVED unanimously to approve the application subject to conditions including a 3 year time limit for commencement, development in accordance with approved plans, removal of equipment when no longer required and a BNG implementation condition. The wording of conditions and any others considered to be necessary, to be delegated to the Assistant Director for Planning.”

Minutes