40-year solar farm at Snapewood Solar Farm, Cabus, Garstang

What was proposed

The application sought 40-year temporary permission to use agricultural land for shared agriculture, a solar farm and associated access, landscaping and ecological works.

“Proposal Temporary planning permission for 40 years for change of use from agricultural land to shared agricultural land, proposed solar farm and ancillary development including access improvements, landscaping and ecological enhancements.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The 17.74-hectare site is agricultural land west of Park Lane, with footpaths crossing it, the Lancaster Canal nearby and rural fields around it.

“The application site comprises 17.74 hectares of agricultural land. The site is to the west of Park Lane, with the Lancaster Canal generally located to the east. A public right of way crosses the site (FP0224006a) between Park Lane and New House Lane, and there are other public footpaths to the north west, as well as a footpath along the Lancaster Canal towpath.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Around 25 objections concerned roads, farmland, landscape, footpaths, noise, ecology, flooding, contamination and community benefits; one letter supported the scheme.

“Highways • Roads are unsuitable for HGV traffic; • Canal bridge likely to be damaged and the surrounding roads are dangerous for increased use; • Solar panel glare may affect driver safety; • There will be significant disruption during construction; • Visual/Environmental • This is inappropriate use of good quality farmland and other land should be considered ahead of this, in line with policy; • There will be visual harm to the landscape, including views to the Trough of…”

“There are no community benefits; • There will be noise and local businesses will be negatively impacted; • The site has previously flooded and this would increase the flood risk, particularly if surrounding watercourses are not maintained properly; • Brownfield sites should be used; • Continued agricultural use seems unlikely given other issues and constraints; • Apparatus likely to lead to contamination.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors, local residents, a parish councillor and a ward councillor’s statement spoke against the application, while a supporter, the agent and the applicant spoke for it.

Members’ debate

Members discussed agricultural land, renewable energy, visual impact, decommissioning, the weight of another energy project and possible appeal risks.

“The Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control responded to questions from councillors regarding the type of land, what weight should be given to the Morgan and Morecambe DCO application and the decommissioning scheme.”

“Councillor Swatton commented that while he was in favour of renewable energy, he was conflicted over the loss of the agricultural land, and the impact of the panels on the quality of the land due to the blocking of direct sunlight.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

Councillors proposed and seconded the officer recommendation, and the committee approved the application as recommended.

“Councillor Belshaw proposed the recommendation to grant full planning permission for the proposed development subject to conditions and to authorise the Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control to make changes to the wording of the conditions as may be appropriate as long as the changes would not materially affect what the condition is trying to achieve or the permission overall. Councillor Kay seconded the proposal.”

Minutes