Minutes:
The Lead Project Officer presented the application for the
Installation of ground mounted photovoltaic solar farm & associated
landscaping, hydrological & biodiversity enhancements.
The project was to cover a 40 year period and would produce
a 30 megawatt solar farm.
Slides and aerial views highlighted the access route, the
proximity of the application site to the surrounding area and other solar farms
in the locality.
The area to the south of the application site was an AONB
with key rights of way, with the aid of an ariel view the historic aspects of
the environment and the wildlife sites were pointed out.
The site layout would be made up of 5 blocks of panels and
the Lead Project Officer indicated the locations of the invertors and
substation. 2.4m deer fencing was
proposed with gaps to accommodate any badgers.
Members attention was also drawn to a proposed wetland area
and pond detail, and the submitted Landscape Strategy.
Members were provided with photos looking towards the site
from nearby footpaths and roads. Indicative slides portrayed the predicted
future views of the solar farm, in combination with the approved North Fossil
Farm application, from the Chaldon Ridge bridleway in one, ten and twenty
years’ time, having regard to both summer and winter views.
Members were advised that the photomontages provided,
although useful, were simply an artist’s impression based upon predicted growth
rates and that concern had been raised by the AONB Team that they represented
an overly optimistic prediction. Members were therefore advised to view the
photomontages with this understanding.
The main planning issues were highlighted, with particular
reference to the individual and cumulative harm to the AONB, the biodiversity
benefits and the green energy benefits. The proposed mitigation measures and
details of an agreed compensation package were discussed. Consideration of the
impact on historic features, amongst other material planning considerations was
also highlighted, and the recommendation was to grant subject to conditions and
the amendment to condition 6 (P.161)
Oral representation in support of the application was
received from Ms Fiona Bowles, Mr Hugo House and Cllr Nick Ireland, Ward
Member.
Members were invited to ask technical questions prior to
debating the application.
In response to a question regarding security and vandal
proofing the site, members were advised that the site was very rural and there
was some security fencing proposed, however an informative note regarding
fencing could be added to the conditions if required.
There would be some cumulative impact to the area, but the
benefits were considered to outweigh the harm.
Proposed by Cllr Clayton, seconded by Cllr Bolwell.
Decision on Recommendation A: that Authority be
delegated to the Head of Planning or Service Manager for Development Management
and Enforcement to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined
in the appendix to these minutes, including the update to condition 6,
completion of a satisfactory planning obligation (legal agreement) and an informative
regarding fencing of the transformers and substation:
and
Decision on Recommendation B: REFUSE
permission for the reason set out below if the planning obligation (legal
agreement) is not completed by 6 months from the date of committee, or such
extended time as agreed by the Head of Planning or Service Manager for
Development Management and Enforcement: