Synchronous condenser facilities at The Causeway, Woolavington, Bridgwater

What was proposed

The application proposed two synchronous condensers in separate buildings, with substations, transformers, cooling equipment, access, landscaping and related infrastructure.

“Details of proposal 4.1 The proposal seeks planning permission for the installation of synchronous condensers and ancillary infrastructure. The proposed development sits within a secure compound within the site. Two synchronous condensers will be provided, each housed within its own building, adjacent to which is a cooling system. Each building will measure 15.3m in height (14m to eaves).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The five-and-a-half-hectare agricultural site lies north of Woolavington, beside the B3141, near Meadow Farm and a timber yard, and within Flood Zone 3.

“The application site is to the north of Woolavington and comprises a site of 5.5ha, of which the developable area is 2.2ha. The land is currently agricultural, with no built development within the site. It is bounded by hedgerows to the east and west, with some trees. The B3141 runs along the western and south western boundaries of the site.. Meadow Farm and a timber yard premises is located to the south. The site lies within Flood Zone 3.”

Officer report

Planning and tender context

There was no particularly relevant planning history, while another provider had applied for a similar facility nearby as part of a competing tender process.

“Another application, from an alternative provider, seeks planning permission on a nearby site on land north of Meadow Farm (application reference 54/25/00029).”

“None particularly relevant though those below were within part of the same spatial area. Reference Case Officer Decisio n Proposal 54/22/00017 EC GTD Change of use from agricultural to the storing of wood and retention of area of hardstanding (retrospective).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal supported grid stability and decarbonisation, and its landscape harm was outweighed by substantial public benefits.

“The proposal comprises essential electricity infrastructure which would support the operation and stability of the national grid, facilitating the transition towards a low carbon energy system. National policy, including the NPPF and National Policy Statements for Energy, affords substantial weight to the delivery of energy infrastructure required to support decarbonisation and energy security.”

“The development would, however, result in some adverse impacts. In particular, due to its scale and siting within the countryside, the proposal would introduce a substantial built form into a rural landscape, resulting in a degree of harm to the character and appearance of the area. Whilst landscape mitigation planting would soften views over time, it would not fully mitigate this harm.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the proposal, Woolavington Parish Council addressed councillors, and the applicant also addressed the committee.

What councillors debated

Councillors discussed the competing applications, the tender process, precedent, construction traffic and landscape harm, while officers explained why the impacts could be managed.

“Councillors accepted the national and local need for grid-stability infrastructure and did not object to the principle of development. The application generated significant procedural and site-specific concerns, particularly due to the two competing schemes being in close proximity to each other.”

“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.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Grimes proposed permission, Councillor Bradford seconded it, and the committee voted nine in favour, none against and 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.”

Minutes