Agenda item

Planning Application 19/02847/S73A - Chilton Cantelo Solar Park, Chilton Cantelo, Yeovil

Meeting of Area East Committee, Wednesday 12th February 2020 9.00 am (Item 148.)

Minutes:

Application proposal: S73A Application for the erection of a solar farm comprising the erection of solar arrays, inverters, transformers, equipment housing, security fencing, internal tracks and ancillary equipment (without complying with Condition 7 of planning permission 12/01055/FUL, to extend operational lifespan of Solar Farm to 40 years)

The Planning Consultant presented the application as outlined in the agenda and referred to the key considerations.

Ward member, Councillor Charlie Hull expressed his support for the application.

It was proposed and seconded to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation as set out in the agenda report. On being put to the vote this was carried by 9 votes in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:

That Planning Application No. 19/02847/S73A be APPROVED as per the Officer’s recommendation for the following reason:

01. The proposal to vary the operational lifespan of the solar farm for a period of 40 years is considered acceptable, having no material impact on the temporary nature of the permission, and causing no demonstrable harm to landscape character, neighbour amenity, highway safety or the environment. The proposal is in accordance with the aims and objectives of the NPPF and Policies SD1, TA5, EQ1, EQ2, EQ4, EQ5 and EQ7 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the application is recommended for approval.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

Location plan and planning application boundary plan received 20/03/2012

Drawings numbered 11853-SD07 and 3001_Rev B received 20/03/2012

Drawings numbered 2334_100_Rev E, 2334_300_Rev B, 2334_301_Rev A received 02/05/2012

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

02. The perimeter fencing and CCTV equipment hereby approved shall accord with the height, colours, appearance and other specifications set out in the letter and attachments from Landmark Practice dated 02/05/2012.

Reason: In the interests of landscape character and visual amenity in accordance with Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

03. The supporting posts to the solar array shall be anchored into the ground as shown in drawing no. 2334_300 Rev B received 02/05/2012 and shall not be concreted into the ground.

Reason: In the interests of sustainable construction and to accord with Policies SD1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

04. The development hereby permitted shall be based on the indicative planting scheme detailed on plan 2334_100_Rev E received 02/05/2012 and shall include indications of all existing trees and hedgerows on the land, and details of any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of the approved development and a management plan for the maintenance of the hedgerows around the perimeter of the site for the operational lifetime of the development. The approved details shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding season following the commencement of the development. Any trees or plants which, within the operational lifetime 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 in accordance with Policy EQ5 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

05. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details regarding surfacing materials for all hardstanding and tracks to serve the development and shall not be altered unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: In the interests of the amenities of the locality and in accordance with Policies SD1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

06. The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition within 40 years of the date of permission 12/01020/FUL or within six 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 structures, materials and any associated goods and chattels from the site.

Reason: In the interests of landscape character and visual amenity in accordance with Policies SD1, EQ1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

07. The development hereby permitted shall only be carried out in accordance with the mitigation measures set out within the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) by H2OK dated March 2012 and associated drawing number 3001 Rev B received 20/03/2012 to limit the surface water run-off generated by the 1:100 year storm so that it will not exceed the run-off from the undeveloped site.

Reason: To prevent flooding by ensuring the satisfactory storage of / disposal of surface water from the site in accord with Policies SD1 and EQ1 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

08. No means of external illumination/lighting shall be installed without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interest of visual amenity and to safeguard the rural character of the area to accord with Policies SD1, EQ1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

09. No works shall be carried out, no machinery operated and no deliveries taken or despatched from the site at any time on Sundays, bank or public holidays or outside the hours 07.00 to 18.30 Mondays to Fridays and 07.00 to 12.30 on Saturdays for the duration of the construction phase of the development hereby permitted.

Reason: In the interest of the amenities of the area to accord with Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

10. The works shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details and timing of the approved 'Ecological Working Method Statement', unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: For the conservation and protection of legally protected species of recognised nature conservation importance in accordance with Policies EQ1 and EQ4 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028), and to ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the relevant aims and priorities of the National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

Informatives:

01. There must be no interruption to the surface water drainage system of the surrounding land as a result of the operations on the site. Provisions must be made to ensure that all existing drainage systems continue to operate effectively and that riparian owners upstream and downstream of the site are not adversely affected.

(Voting: 9 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention)

Supporting documents: