Solar farm amendments at Cambridge Waste Management Park, Landbeach

“25/02020/S73 – Cambridge Waste Management Park, Ely Road, Landbeach Application details Report to: Planning Committee Lead Officer: Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development Ward/parish: Cottenham and Milton & Waterbeach/ Cottenham and Landbeach Proposal: S73 to vary condition 2 (Approved plans) of planning permission S/4028/19/FL (Solar Farm and Associated Development) to provide an amended layout to include a revised layout of solar array, change to the design of…”

“Report contents Document section Document heading 1 Executive summary 2 Site description and context 3 The proposal 4 Relevant site history 5 Policy 6 Consultations 7 Third party representations 8 Planning background 9 Assessment 10 Character and appearance of the area 11 Heritage assets 12 Biodiversity 13 Water management and flood risk 14 Other matters 15 Planning balance 16 Recommendation 17 Planning conditions Table 1 Contents of report 1.”

“The site is situated in in a Minerals and Waste Safeguarding Area (Sand and Gravel) and Waste Management Area. The majority of the site lies within Flood Zone 1 (low risk) apart from very small areas adjacent to the south eastern and western boundaries which are within Flood Zones 2 and 3 (medium and high risk). A small part of the perimeter of the site and access are subject to surface water drainage flood risk.”

“A balancing pond is situated to the north east and east with the Cambridge Waste Management Park and South Cambridge Waste Depot beyond. The Landbeach Pits Willow Wood County Wildlife Site is situated to the south east with the Dickerson Industrial Estate and Cambridge Research Park Established Employment Areas in the Countryside beyond.”

“The original application for the solar farm and associated development was determined under delegated powers on 27 July 2020. The applicant at the time was Alboro Developments who own the land. 4.”

“The development of the solar farm and associated development under planning permission S/4028/19/FL has been implemented through the provision of part of the access. Policy 5.1 National policy National Planning Policy Framework 2024 National Planning Practice Guidance National Design Guide 2021 Circular 11/95 (Conditions, Annex A) EIA Directives and Regulations - European Union legislation with regard to environmental assessment and the UK’s planning regime remains…”

“In line with the advice of the PPG, it is considered that the scale and/or nature of the proposed minor material amendments would not result in a development that is substantially different from the one which has been approved. The proposed amendments are therefore within the remit of section 73 of the Town and County Planning Act 1990.”

“Having taken into account the provisions of the development plan, NPPF and NPPG guidance, the statutory requirements of section 66(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the views of statutory consultees and wider stakeholders, as well as all other material planning considerations, the proposed development is recommended for approval. 16.”

“Third party representations 7.1 No representations have been received. Planning background 8.1 Planning Practice Guidance states that new issues may arise after planning permission has been granted, which require modification of the approved proposals. [Paragraph: Reference ID: 17a-001-20140306].”

“In response to Members’ questions: i. The Senior Planning Officer advised that the measurement of energy output was megawatts per hour. ii. The Senior Planning Officer advised that the application had been brought to committee as South Cambridgeshire District Council was the applicant. iii. The size of the attenuation pond had been increased as a result of the new buildings subject to application 25/02021/FUL.”

“The Committee noted during debate that none of the statutory consultees had objected to the application and there were no reasons to refuse the application.”

“By unanimous vote, the Committee approved the application subject to: • The planning conditions set out in the officer’s report with minor amendments to the conditions as drafted delegated to officers.”