Ground-mounted solar scheme at Land Off Hafod Road, Hafod, Ruabon, Wrexham

What was proposed

A small ground-mounted solar scheme with panels, a substation, inverters, fencing, landscaping, a temporary compound and a new access track was proposed.

“Description of Development GOSOD CYNLLUN SOLAR AR Y TIR A'R SEILWAITH CYSYLLTIEDIG / INSTALLATION OF GROUND-MOUNT SOLAR SCHEME AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE”

“Proposal The application seeks planning permission for the installation of a small ground mounted solar scheme and associated infrastructure comprising steel frame mounting system with solar PV panels. In addition, a distribution network operator substation and inverters, security fencing and landscaping are also proposed. An area of land to the northeast of the site will be used as a temporary construction compound during the construction phase.”

Officer report

The site

The site comprises two unused agricultural parcels beside the A483, B5426 and Hafod Road, with substantial trees and vegetation along its boundaries.

“Site Description The application site is located to the south of Hafod House Farm, bound by the A483 to the east, the B5426, Johnstown to Bangor Road to the south and Hafod Road to the west. It consists of two land parcels of unused agricultural land. There is substantial tree and vegetation cover present along all boundaries.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the scheme would support renewable energy and could proceed without significant landscape, biodiversity, amenity or safety harm, subject to conditions.

“Policy 17 of Future Wales strongly supports the principle of developing renewable and low carbon energy and indicates that in determining such applications, significant weight must be given to the need for meeting Wales's target to generate 70% of consumed electricity by renewable means by 2030 to help combat the climate emergency.”

“The proposal would promote energy efficiency and increase the supply of renewable energy, predominantly to the nearby Erddig National Trust visitor attraction. The principle of development is therefore considered acceptable subject to consideration of the specific details of the proposal including, landscape, visual impacts, design, and ecology.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

Consultees generally raised no objections subject to conditions, the local member raised countryside concerns, and no public responses were received.

“Local Member: Comments that it will have a more than detrimental effect on the countryside and could be better placed.”

“Public Protection Officer: No objections subject planning conditions in respect of noise.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker spoke in favour of the application before the officer presented the report and members discussed it.

The committee decision

The committee granted permission in accordance with the officer recommendation.

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

Minutes