Agenda item

Application Proposal: Installation of a CCTV camera system comprising of a network of wooden pole mounted cameras, related cabinets and ducting, plus ancillary and related equipment.

The Planning Consultant introduced the report and advised that the site was on the edge of the district and the solar array was already installed.  The permission included the installation of 5 CCTV cameras on 6m high steel poles.  The application now proposed 15 cameras on 3m poles with no wider range of vision other than the boundary fence.  The security fencing was 2m high so the cameras would be 1m above.  As the site was not on the skyline and, the principle of development was already established, he recommended approval of the application. 

The Agent for the applicant advised that the cameras were required to deter intruders and prevent theft.  He said it was necessary to have full CCTV coverage of the perimeter site for insurance purposes.  There would be no pre-recoded message if a camera was activated but an officer in a control centre would challenge the person.  The lighting would be infra-red and the cameras were directed away from nearby properties.

The Ward Member, Councillor Robin Bastable, said he had not received any representations regarding the application and he could not see a problem with the proposal.

During a brief discussion it was noted that the audio challenge should not be unduly intrusive.  It was also noted that Cucklington village had received community benefit from the applicants which had been used in part to resurface the village hall car park.

The recommendation to grant permission was proposed and seconded and unanimously agreed by Members.

RESOLVED: That planning application 19/01786/FUL be GRANTED permission for the following reason:

01.       The proposal to install a CCTV camera system, comprising of a network of 20 wooden pole mounted cameras, a control cabinet, ducting and other small ancillary and related equipment, all in association with the existing solar array development for the same temporary period as the solar park itself would respect the character of the area and would cause no demonstrable harm to landscape character and visual amenity, neighbour amenity, highway safety, flood risk or biodiversity. As such, the proposal is in accordance with the aims and objectives of the NPPF and Policies SD1, EQ1, EQ2, EQ4, EQ5, EQ7, TA6 and TA6 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01.  The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

       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 drawings:

       Drawing no. 1088-0200-01: Site Boundary Plan

       Drawing no. 26377-1-B: CCTV Layout - Site Layout - Planning Application (Proposed Additions)

       Drawing no. 26377-1-C: CCTV Layout - Site Layout - Planning Application (Overall Security Design)

       Drawing no. GBSG SD-1B: GBSG Standard Detail - Wooden Post Detail

       Brochure: IP55 Outdoor Wall Mounting Cabinets, DS-CW55 Series

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

03.  The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition within 25 years of 31 March 2017 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.

04.  No CCTV equipment or other cameras shall be installed on the site other than those shown on the submitted drawings nos. 26377-1-B and 26377-1-C, in accordance with the CCTV design details submitted with the application.

       Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to safeguard the character and appearance of the landscape in accordance with the aims of the NPPF and Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

05.  Each camera hereby permitted shall have a fixed field of vision, being angled and of a visual range as indicated on the submitted drawings nos. 26377-1-B and 26377-1-C and there shall be no subsequent variation to allow a greater field and range of vision for any of the camera without the prior written approval of the Local Planning Authority.

       Reason: In the interests of residential amenity and to safeguard the rural character of the setting in accordance with the aims of the NPPF and Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

06.  Other than the on-site audio challenge facility (described in the agent's email dated 5th November 2019) forming part of the security system hereby permitted, no other form of audible alarm shall be installed on the site without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

       Reason: In the interests of amenity and to safeguard the rural character of the setting in accordance with the aims of the NPPF and Policies EQ2 and EQ7 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

(Voting: unanimous in favour)