Solar farm at Land At East Cowton

What was proposed

The application proposed a 19MW solar farm with panels, substations, fencing, access tracks, landscaping, biodiversity measures and related infrastructure for 40 years.

“The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application for the installation of a solar farm comprising ground mounted Solar PV panels with a generating capacity of up to 19MW(AC), including mounting framework, inverters and transformers, 2 no.”

Minutes

Main planning issues

Officers addressed grid capacity, a road safety audit and the use of conditions, concluding that the grid was likely able to receive the electricity.

“Whether a grid connection was achievable, with the network having capacity to take the electricity generated. This was a material planning consideration, with the weight to be given a matter of planning judgement. For example, weight could be given to the enhanced sustainability if the system had capacity and no physical works were needed to upgrade the national grid.”

“The scheme had a Stage 2 Gate Offer from the National Energy System Operator for grid connection, which included an indicative connection point and completion date, so it was recommended that moderate positive weight be attached as it was likely the grid would be able to receive the energy.”

Minutes

Benefits and land quality

The development would generate renewable electricity, support renewable energy targets and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and was considered compliant with national policy.

“The officer confirmed that the majority of the site was classified as Grade 3b agricultural land, with a small area of Grade 4 and the application was considered compliant with national policy.”

“The officer summarised the strong national policy support for renewable energy, and policies in the Local Plan. The development would generate electricity from a renewable source and thus contribute towards national and regional targets for the generation of renewable energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions.”

Minutes

Who spoke

A parish council representative spoke against the application, a written statement supporting that view was read aloud, and the applicant spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members discussed corrected conditions, community contributions, fire risk, chemical treatments, restoration funding, access routes, flooding and communication with parish councils.

“The applicant mentioned a potential financial contribution to the local community. The officer advised that such contributions could not be secured through planning conditions or a Section 106 agreement, as they did not meet the statutory tests of necessity, relevance and proportionality. Any contribution would be voluntary and outside the formal planning process and should not influence the committee’s planning decision.”

“Members welcomed the proposed condition restricting the use of chemical treatments under the solar panels however, concern was raised that the wording of Condition 13 might allow chemical treatments prior to installation, potentially undermining the intention of the condition.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members unanimously minded to grant the application and delegated authority to determine it subject to amendments to two conditions.

“Councillor Andy Brown proposed and Councillor Packham seconded that Members be minded to grant the application and delegate authority to the Head of Development Management in consultation with the Chair to determine the application subject to the amendment to conditions 11cc) and condition 13.”

“Members were unanimously minded to GRANT the application and delegate authority to the Head of Development Management in consultation with the Chair to determine the application subject to the amendment to conditions 11cc) and 13.”

Minutes