Floating solar array at Cavendish Dock Cavendish Dock Road, Barrow-in-Furness

What was proposed

The application proposed a 35-40MWp floating solar array, associated infrastructure, a substation, underground cabling and a 50-year operating period.

“SUMMARY 1.1 Full planning permission is sought for a 35-40MWp floating solar array within Cavendish Dock and associated landside infrastructure, including a construction area and substation building. It is proposed to operate for 50 years. The solar panels would be mounted on floating pontoons and fixed at an optimum angle, with the pontoons secured to the base of the Dock by an anchoring system.”

“THE PROPOSAL 3.1 Full planning permission is sought for a proposed floating solar array, with a generating capacity in the region of 35-40 MWp and associated infrastructure. The development would take place within Cavendish Dock and use a small area of land to the west of the Dock. The proposed development would consist of around 46,500 solar panels and utilise approximately 80 inverters and 10 transformers (8 floating, 2 onshore).”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site included Cavendish Dock, land west of the Dock and a cable route, within an industrial area with ecological designations and recreational use.

“SITE DESCRIPTION 4.1 The site is comprised of Cavendish Dock (which is wholly owned by ABP), an onshore area to the west of the Dock (which is owned and managed by Westmorland and Furness Council) and the cable route towards Michaelson Road that runs through ABP owned-land until it meets BAE owned-land. Cavendish Dock is an enclosed body of water adjacent to the Port of Barrow.”

“A 100m wide spit of land to the west of the Dock carries Cavendish Dock Road, and a rail siding running in parallel into the Anchor Line basin complex providing for vehicular and rail freight access. Either side are areas of semi-derelict industrial buildings and associated compounds. The rail line then wraps around the northern site boundary, eventually linking into Salthouse Junction and the Furness main line adjacent to the north-east corner of the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications covered nearby industrial, port, infrastructure, housing and environmental projects, including screening for this floating solar proposal.

“APPCOND 06/12/2023 BSS/2024/0397 Cavendish Dock and Land adjacent to The Port of Barrow Cavendish Dock Road Barrow-in-Furness The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 - Request for Screening Opinion pursuant to Regulation 6 (2): for a 35-40 MW (approximately) Floating Solar Array, located on the Cavendish Dock and associated infrastructure COMMSENT 14/11/2024”

Officer report

What people said

Three letters were received, including objections about birds, designated sites, wildlife, Marina Village, landscape and policy, alongside support for renewable energy.

“REPRESENTATIONS 7.1 A total of 3 letters of representation were received. This included 2 objections and 1 letter of support. The key comments raised within the letters of objection can be summarised as follows: • Impact on birds who use the dock for feeding and resting • Impact on designated sites, wildlife and protected species • Impact on Marina Village • Visual impact and impact on landscape character • Contrary to Local Plan 7.3 The key comments raised within…”

Officer report

Who spoke to members

The Principal Planning Officer gave members a presentation covering the key points, site context, ecological enhancements and other matters.

The committee decision

Members unanimously adopted the Habitats Regulations Assessment and granted permission subject to a section 106 agreement, conditions and amended document details.

“RESOLVED, that (1) the submitted Habitats Regulations Assessment (within the Marine Ecology and Coastal Waterbird Environmental Appraisal by ABPmer, dated November 2025), be adopted to meet the Council’s responsibilities as a competent authority in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).”

“(2) Subject to a section 106 agreement being secured for off-site ecological enhancements (to include 2 additional floating pontoons for birds) and community benefits (to satisfy Local Plan Policy C6), grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in Part 11 below.”

Minutes