Solar panels and battery at Land Off Brymbo Road, Brymbo, Wrexham

“Proposal The application seeks permission for the installation of a ground mounted solar photovoltaic development with associated battery storage and grid cabinet.”

“Site Description The site is located on the outskirts of Brymbo, approximately 515m southwest of the centre of the village. It is located within an existing fenced area and comprises an open field of restored land that was previously part of the historic mining and steel industry in this area. The site was remediated between 2004-2006. Those works involved the removal of existing vegetation, construction of an access ramp and construction of domed low permeability clay cap.”

“Site History SO/2024/1001 - EIA Screening Opinion. Decision: Environmental Statement not required.”

“Principle of Development Planning Policy Wales (PPW) 12 para 5.7.1 states that low carbon and renewable energy must become the main source of energy in Wales, with para 5.7.6 emphasising the paramount importance of the benefits of renewable and low carbon energy, as part of the overall commitment to tackle the climate emergency and increase energy security.”

“The unadopted Local Development Plan (LDP). does not have the status of development plan. However, LDP and its evidence base have been subject to Examination in Public and found to be sound. Moreover, being more up to date than the UDP, they are also broadly consistent with PPW12 and Future Wales. In light of this, relevant policies in the unadopted LDP are considered to be material considerations. Policy SP18 of the unadopted LDP deals with climate change.”

“The supporting Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) assesses impacts across construction, operation, and decommissioning. Construction effects would be temporary and short-term (approx. three months), with minimal vegetation loss. Operational impacts are limited due to mature boundary vegetation, while decommissioning impacts would be short-lived, with structures removed and disturbed ground reinstated.”

“The proposed development would change the site’s character. However, the low height, limited built form, and screening provided by existing hedgerows and trees mean it can be accommodated within the landscape without significant adverse effects.”

“Natural Resources Wales: No objections. However, raise concerns with the application as submitted but advise that the concerns could be overcome by planning conditions in respect of European Protected Species, piling and a Battery Safety Management Plan…”

“Public Protection Officer: No objections. Accept the finding of the Noise Impact Assessment and recommends planning conditions in respect of ensuring appropriate noise levels are maintained.”

“The Officer presented the report, and in doing so, displayed plans of the site to assist with his presentation. He also referred to the addendum during his presentation. A discussion ensued and the following points were made:”

“Confirmation that there would be a slight increase on existing traffic volumes, but this would be only be during the construction phase so wouldn’t negatively impact the local highway network. • Concerns were raised regarding a possible increase in noise levels. It was acknowledged that while the inverters could generate some noise, the nearest property was located 50 metres away, meaning any impact on neighbours was unlikely to be significant.”

“RESOLVED – That permission be granted in accordance with the Officer recommendation.”