Energy facility amendment at Land East of Cellarhead Substation, Rownall Road, Wetley Rocks

What was proposed

The applicant sought to change condition 15 so preliminary access-road and compound works could begin before approval of the Materials Management Plan.

“This NMA seeks to alter the trigger for submitting the Material Management Plan (MMP). The supporting letter accompanying the application says that the change is being sought to allow ‘commencement works’ to take place. The current Condition 15 requires that the MMP is provided and approved prior to the commencement of any development on site. The applicant’s letter goes on to say;”

“Strip topsoil from the access road (no further than 120 metres into the site) and a portion of the welfare / compound area, approximately 50% of the total compound area. Soil moved and stored in the spoil storage area - as show on the approved Construction Management Plan. This topsoil will be re-used in the re-instatement works on completion of the construction phase of the project. Amount stored approximately 700-800m3. 3.”

Officer report

The site

The site consists mainly of agricultural fields bounded by hedgerows, with permission for a flexible energy facility granted in December 2022.

“The site is currently agricultural fields bound in the main by hedgerows.”

“This site has planning permission for a Flexible Energy Facility granted on 22 nd…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the change would allow limited preliminary works while retaining control over significant excavation and bund formation through the Materials Management Plan.

“Given that these works do not involve significant movement of material, excavation and bund formation unlike the main battery compound and given it was always known that a stockpile of material would be retained in the eastern field (as this is needed at the conclusion of construction to return the land housing the temporary site compound and temporary site access to its previous condition), in Officers view the effect of the change is minor and non-material .”

“No development shall commence, beyond that described in the approved document entitled NMA Operations (received by the Council 2 nd September 2025) until such time that a Materials Management Plan (MMP) that defines the excavation and bund formation processes and provides detailed drawings of the proposed raised earthworks has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application, while the agent and a supporter spoke in favour.

Members discussed the works

Members discussed the scope of preliminary works, removal and retention of topsoil, reinstatement, keeping material on site and close monitoring.

“Reference was made to the removal of topsoil, importance of the retention of the material onsite and reinstatement of the site.”

“Members highlighted the importance of material not being taken off-site and the development of the site being closely monitored.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to grant the application for the reasons and policies in the report, following a proposal and seconder.

“That the application be granted for the reasons and based on the policies contained within the report;”

“That in the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions / informatives / planning obligations or reasons for approval / refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Head of Development Services be delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, provided thar the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.”

Minutes