300kW solar array at Amgen Cymru Ltd Bryn Pica Waste Disposal Site, Llwydcoed

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0398/FUL REPORT Electrical power used at Bryn Pica is currently sourced from the network supply grid. During an average year, the existing leachate treatment plant uses approximately 350 MWh of electrical energy. The proposed solar array has the potential to generate around 310 MWh of energy. The proposed development has the potential to offset a large proportion of imported power.”

“It forms part of the area previously approved (in outline) for an Eco Park (18/0302). The site comprises the former opencast site of the Dyllas Colliery. It is a gently sloping site which sits at a height of between 306m AOD and 316m AOD and is bounded by conifer plantation and scrub woodland. The site was occupied by a quarry and opencast workings until around 1990. The site has laid vacant since. All existing forestry and planting will be retained.”

“PREAMBLE The following proposal represents a resubmission and relocation of a previously approved scheme. If granted consent by Committee it will be INSTEAD of the previous scheme not in addition to it. As many of the details are similar to the previously approved scheme, for the sake of brevity, Committee are asked to have regard to the previous report (attached). REASON FOR REACHING THE RECOMMENDATION The application represents a relocation of a previously approved scheme.”

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0398/FUL REPORT The principal issues in the consideration of this application are (in no particular order of importance): amenity (including both visual amenity and residential amenity), the impact of the development on the setting of the Brecon Beacons National Park, ecology and highway safety. The issues to be considered as part of this report are identical to those in the previous report.”

“This development is relatively small in scale (as opposed to more commercial solar farm developments) but has the potential to impact on a more cumulative level rather than be unacceptable in its own right. Therefore, as part of the application process both the BBNPA and NRW were consulted. The BBNPA have offered “no objection” or any meaningful comments in respect of the proposal.”

“No adverse comments were received. POLICY CONTEXT”

“Development of a 300kW peak generation, ground mounted solar P.V. Array on land adjacent to existing waste management facility. Amgen Cymru Ltd, Bryn Pica Waste Disposal Site, Merthyr Road, Llwydcoed, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 0BX”

“The Head of Major Development and Investment presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”