Underground electricity cable at Singleton Oilfield A286 Cobblers Row to Middlefield, Singleton

What was proposed

The application proposed a 1.4-kilometre underground cable connecting on-site generators to the National Grid, with no above-ground infrastructure.

“SDNP/23/03573/NMA- Non-material amendment to planning approval SDNP/16/01680/CND to allow for an update to approved generators and ancillary plant. Approved – 06.10.2023 3. Proposal 3.1 The application seeks the installation of approximately 1.4 km of below-ground high-voltage cable between Singleton Oilfield and the A286. The cable would connect on-site generators to the National Grid to enable the export of electricity generated on-site.”

“The well-site compound would remain operational throughout and would be unaffected by the proposed works, aside from the final connection of the cable to the generators. No changes are proposed to the current operations of the site. Consultations 4.1 The Woodlands Trust – Objection • Initially raised a number of concerns regarding the impact of the proposal: o Loss of ancient woodland, in particular soils and ground flora, arising during construction of the trench.”

Officer report

The site

The cable route followed an existing access track through woodland, with a public bridleway nearby and no immediate residential properties.

“While the cable route passes through an area of Ancient Replanted Woodland, the works are confined to the existing sealed surface of the access track. Mitigation measures have been proposed to avoid harm to soils, tree roots, and associated habitats. These mitigation measures have been reviewed by relevant consultees and are considered sufficient to ensure that the development would not result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitat.”

“The red line boundary also includes a small area within the well-site compound, specifically the section between the compound entrance and the generator infrastructure. The surrounding area consists of dense woodland forming part of Singleton Forest, which is designated as ancient woodland. A public bridleway (WSCC Bridleway 3412) crosses the access track near its junction with the A286. There are no residential properties in the immediate vicinity of the site. 2.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions established generators and the principle of exporting electricity, with operations allowed to continue until 2031.

“– Approved 10.10.2011 • SDNP/16/01680/CND - Conditions(s) Variation: Condition Number(s): 2 and 3, Seeking extension to life of operations until 31st December 2031 and Amendment of cessation date to 31st December 2031 from Application Reference Number: WSCC-097-10-SE-SDNP. – Approved 20.07.2016”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Parish Council and Woodland Trust objected, while the highways authority, Natural England and Environmental Health raised no objection, subject to measures.

“The existing track does not negate the site's designation as Ancient Woodland and woodland condition should not be factored into the planning balance. WSCC Highway Authority – No Objection. • No changes are proposed to the existing vehicle movements or access strategy which are considered acceptable. • 20 two-way vehicular trips could be generated during the proposed works, comprising 8 LGV visits and 2 HGV visits. Singleton and Charlton Parish Council – Objection.”

“Nature England – No objection 4.6 Environmental Health: No objection • No objection to the application in principle although, if minded to permit, it would be suggested that a condition be included requiring compliance with the Construction Management Plan.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Residents raised concerns about fire, pollution, noise, ancient woodland, traffic, environmental assessment, restoration and the National Grid connection.

“Fencing details are considered acceptable and should be secured via a condition. • Details of working methods with RPAs is considered acceptable, including hand digging and severing roots below 25mm. • Roots, including fibrous roots, should be covered with wet hessian as opposed to dry hessian. • Roots under 25mm outside of RPA where mechanical digging is proposed should be cleanly cut or protected as per guidance using NJUG10. 5.”

“Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and ‘salami slicing’ • Several comments express concern that the proposal has been divided into multiple planning applications, potentially to avoid triggering the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment. • It is requested that the application be considered in its entirety, including the generators, the cable, and the connection to the National Grid.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A neighbour and a representative of Weald Action Group spoke against the application, while the applicant’s representative spoke in support.

The committee’s discussion

Members discussed using waste gas, temporary disruption, export capacity, possible piecemeal development, environmental assessment, fire safety and restoration.

“It was noted that while some disruption would occur during installation, the works would be temporary and the track would be reinstated. • Questions were raised about the capacity of the national grid to accept the full output from the generators. Clarification was sought whether the proposed cable would be sufficient to export all electricity generated, or whether flaring would still be required.”

“Members were advised: • The generators had been approved under a separate planning permission. The cable was originally intended to be installed by a statutory undertaker under permitted development rights. The current application sought permission for a private installation of the cable, which required full planning consent. • The cable would be laid in sections along the access track, with each section reinstated at the end of the working day.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to the conditions in the officer report.

“RESOLVED: 1) That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report. Stephen McAuliffe rejoined the meeting at 14:42 46. Daniel Stewart-Roberts left the meeting at 14.42 ITEM 12:”

Minutes