Agenda item

The Planning Officer presented his report to members, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.

He informed members that this was a retrospective application as the solar panels were largely in place. He advised that the cabinets and panels had been grouped more tightly together and were positioned lower to the ground. He advised that it was his recommendation that this application be approved.

Mr T Carty spoke in objection to the planning application. He advised that in the winter months, the solar farm could be easily viewed from his property. He expressed his concern that the development had not been built in accordance with the approved plans. He agreed that the panels were lower and that the panels were grouped closer together, however he explained that the panels had been rotated, which meant that it was nearly impossible to see the ground through the gaps around the panels and advised that the quality of that land was now deteriorating. He further stated that the new building looks like a dwelling.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Ward Member, advised members that this application was approved at appeal by the Planning inspectorate. She pointed out that this application was to regularise the planning application in their built form and supported the application to group the panels closer together.

The Planning Officer confirmed that the application was to amend the layout of the panels, and that the tariffs and subsidies were not part of the application. He further confirmed that the building on the site was not a dwelling. It was also clarified that the new permission would include new relevant conditions which would largely replicate the conditions to the previous approval by the Planning Inspector.

Following the discussion it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved as per the officer recommendation as detailed in the agenda report.

On being put to the vote, this was carried 6 votes in support with 4 against.

RESOLVED:  that planning application 17/02835/S73A be approved for the following reason;

01.          The proposed variations to the approved scheme are considered acceptable and would not have any adverse impacts regards character and appearance, nor highway safety or neighbour amenity in accordance with the aims and objectives of Policy SD1, EQ1, EQ2, EQ3, EQ4 and TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS;

01.       The development hereby permitted was begun 31.08.2016.

            Reason: To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Cable Route, Elevations-1, General Layout, Fencing and CCTV System, Facilities Layout and Elevations-2 received 5 July 2017 and 4.10 Rev D received 23 September 2015

            Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

03.       The development hereby permitted shall be undertaken in accordance with the implementation of the Habitat Management Plan (30.04.2015) submitted with the application.

            Reason: For the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in accordance with NPPF and Local Plan Policy EQ4.

04.       The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition within 25 years of the date of this permission or within 6 months of the cessation of the use of the solar farm for the generation of electricity, whichever is the sooner, in accordance with a restoration plan to be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The restoration plan will need to include all the works necessary to revert the site to open agricultural land including the removal of all the structures, materials and any ancillary equipment which shall be removed from the site.

            Reason: In the interests of character and appearance further to policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

05.       The approved on-site planting scheme (4.10 Rev D received 23 September 2015) shall be implemented in the first planting season following the completion of the development. Any trees or plants which die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

            Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and landscape character further to policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

06.       No means of external illumination/lighting shall be installed within the site, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

            Reason: In the interests of landscape character and visual appearance further to policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

07.       The site management plan for tree, hedge and grass maintenance of the site agreed by the Local Planning Authority under 17/00342/DOC (the Discharge of conditions application for planning permission 15/02187/FUL) shall be fully implemented for the duration of the use hereby permitted, unless any variation is agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority.

            Reason: In the interests of character and visual amenity further to Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

08.       No CCTV equipment or other cameras shall be installed on the site other than that shown on the submitted General Layout, and Fencing and CCTV System.

            Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to safeguard the character and appearance of the countryside, further to Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

09.       Moss Green shall be the colour applied and maintained on the building structures unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 

Reason: For the avoidance of any doubt in the interests of visual appearance further to policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

(Voting: 6 votes in support with 4 against)