Synchronous condenser facility at The Causeway, Woolavington, Bridgwater

A synchronous condenser facility for the grid

The application proposed building and operating synchronous condenser facilities with associated infrastructure, buildings, access and landscaping.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider the Construction and operation of Synchronous Condenser Facilities, with associated ancillary infrastructure, buildings, access, landscaping and associated works.”

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Parish council sought a deferral

Woolavington Parish Council asked for deferral until the tender process finished, questioned the site choice, and asked for construction traffic to avoid the village.

“The Councillors were addressed by Woolavington Parish Council, and the following points were raised:”

“Asked the Committee to defer determination until the NESO tender process is complete due to the unusual situation of two competing applications for the same infrastructure. • Raised If both schemes are approved, the unsuccessful bidder would still hold planning permission, creating an established development principle on that site. • Concerned that a fallback permission could be used to support future similar developments, even where not justified on planning grounds.”

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Who spoke

The parish council and the applicant addressed councillors.

Construction traffic and countryside impact

Councillors asked for highway condition surveys and construction controls; officers said the temporary harm was outweighed by the need for energy infrastructure.

“Councillors raised concerns about significant temporary increase in HGV movements during construction, with potential for road damage and village traffic impacts. Councillors requested pre- and post-construction highway condition surveys and stronger construction management controls. Officers clarified construction impacts acknowledged as notable but temporary.”

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Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 9 votes to 0 with one abstention.

“After deliberations Councillor Grimes proposed to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Bradford.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission with the additional conditions of Highways condition survey, Construction management condition and the Additional conditions as presented in the Update Note Supplement document; the final wording of these conditions to be delegated to the Area Planning Manager in consultation with the Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee – North.”

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