Agenda item

Application Proposal: Application to vary condition 2 of planning permission 14/05472/FUL to require restoration of the land within 30 years of the permission rather than 25 years as originally permitted.

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation. He advised members that the application was to extend the time period of the approved solar farm from 25 to 30 years.

He emphasised that this increase to the time period was the only change to the approved application and that the application had been referred to the Committee in line with the scheme of delegation, as the application was considered to be a ‘major major’ planning application.

Councillor Colin Winder, the Ward Member, spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Nick Colbert, also Ward Member, spoke in support of the application.

Following the short discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the planning application be approved as per the officer’s report. On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: that planning application 16/03675/S75A be approved as per the officer report for the following reason;

01.       The benefits in terms of the provision of a renewable source of energy, which will make a valuable contribution towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions, outweigh the limited impact originally envisaged of the proposed PV panels on the local landscape character. As such the proposal accords with the Government's objective to encourage the provision of renewable energy sources and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework, and Policies SD1, EQ1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01.       Notwithstanding the time limits given to implement planning permission as prescribed by Sections 91 and 92 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), this permission (being granted under section 73A of the Act in respect of development already carried out) shall have effect from the 12 March 2015.

Reason:  To comply with Section 73A of the Act.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition within 30 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.

03.       Details of the consolidated and surfaced access shall accord with those agreed in the council's letter of 22.12.2015 (ref: 14/05472/FUL) to be maintained at all times for the life of the development.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety further to Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

04.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 12073-1 Rev c; WSP-0091-GA-600-ST234 Rev C, DNOC SEP-131004-roo, and 1014/PL10 received 9 December 2014.

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

05.       The approved on-site planting scheme (Drawing No. 1014/PL10 received 9th December 2014) shall be implemented in the first planting season following the completion of the development.  Any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development 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), and the NPPF

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 EC3, ST5 and ST6 of the South Somerset Local Plan, Policy EQ2 of the emerging local plan and the NPPF.

07.       The scheme of off-site landscaping along the eastern boundary of the site shall accord with details agreed by the council's email of 24.11.2015 (ref: 14/05472/FUL). Any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development 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 landscape character and visual appearance further to policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan, and the NPPF.

(Voting: Unanimous)