Battery storage and fire wall at Land At Waste Management Site, Ely Road, Landbeach

“The main site measures approximately 0.41 of a hectare in area and forms part of the wider solar farm site. It currently comprises a raised bank of grassland, a small area of grass at ground level, and an access to the A10 through the existing Waste Management Park and Dickerson Industrial Estate. The south eastern and western boundary are aligned by a hedge.”

“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.”

“The development is not considered to adversely affect the character and appearance of the countryside and landscape character. It is also not considered to adversely affect the adjacent County Wildlife Site or protected species and would lead to a net gain in biodiversity. It would not result in a significant increase in flood risk, be detrimental to highway safety, or adversely affect the amenities of neighbours.”

“County Highways Development Management - No objection 6.6 No significant adverse effect upon the public highway. Ecology Officer- No Objection 6.7 The red line boundary has been extended to include an area to provide the required BNG measures. This is welcomed, and the metric calculation demonstrates a gain of 122.57% habitat units, due to the enhancement of existing modified grassland in poor condition to other neutral grassland in moderate condition.”

“Third party representations 7.1 No representations have been received. Planning background 8.1 The principle of the development of a solar farm and associated development was established on the site through the grant of planning permission reference S/4028/19/FL. Please see Appendix 1 for a copy of the decision notice and report.”

“In response to members questions, the Senior Planning Officer clarified that the fire walls would be located between the buildings and the solar panels, and the maximum heights of the buildings were 3.25m.”

“During debate the Committee commented that the installation of battery storage and solar panels was welcomed, and the application should be supported.”

“The Delivery Manager summarised the recommendation of approval set out on p81 of the agenda.”

“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.”

“Having taken into account the provisions of the development plan, NPPF and NPPG guidance, the statutory requirements of section 72(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. 17.”

“Development shall not begin until a scheme for surface water disposal has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. No drainage systems for the infiltration of surface water drainage into the ground is permitted other than with the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority, which may be given for those parts of the site where it has been demonstrated that there is no resultant unacceptable risk to controlled waters.”