Agenda item

P/FUL/2023/02819 - Land at Post Farm, Lytchett Minster, Dorset, BH16 6AB

The installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS), together with associated infrastructure, security fencing, CCTV, cable route, landscaping, on-site Biodiversity Net Gain.

Minutes:

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. The proposal was situated within the identified greenbelt, aimed to enhance the local context while addressing the established settlement boundary. The integration of Public Rights of Way ensured accessibility, and the wider context included nearby facilities such as the crematorium and the Upton residential area, as well as operational renewable sites within a 4 km radius. A comprehensive review of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)  Planning Database nationally and within Dorset revealed the ongoing landscape of applications submitted and appeals lodged, giving crucial insights into the regional development framework. The site plan outlined the integration of battery energy storage system alongside measures for biodiversity net gain through thoughtful landscaping initiatives, all presented alongside the summary of components that form the proposal.

 

No objections had been raised by third party, highlighting community support for the initiative. All principal issues had been carefully considered, including screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and  Appropriate Assessment. The underlying principle of the development aligned with national policies focusing on sustainability while rigorously evaluating its impact on the greenbelt, justifying very special circumstances for its implementation. The proposed elevations included the installation of an acoustic fence to mitigate noise, with comprehensive documentation addressing key amenity issues, including assessments regarding the distance to the closest residential properties and commentary from the environmental health officer detailing noise mitigation strategies. Efforts towards biodiversity enhancement and showcasing net gain further bolster the project's environmental credentials. Traffic management had been meticulously planned, factoring in access lane dynamics and the provision of passing places to ensure unobstructed access for maintenance vehicles during construction/operation stages and emergency vehicles in case of emergencies. Construction logistics also included designated vehicle routes, temporary signage, and measures to minimize disruption. Consistent with recommendations from the National Fire Chief Council, provisions for fire safety included the installation of two hydrants, addressing the water supply for fire fighting operations and safety needs of adjacent residential properties. Detailed conditions related to these aspects can be found in the officer report. 

 

The proposed project would have incorporated internal tracks designed for battery storage maintenance and emergency response, specifically addressing flood risk and improving drainage for both surface and groundwater scenarios. The project's drainage strategies are mindful of potential pollution risks associated with fire incidents and runaway events, particularly concerning waterways. To mitigate these risks, a trench and attenuation pond  are proposed along the southern boundary of the site, with each section of the battery units being carefully bounded to provide additional mitigation to store polluted water in case of fire fighting operations and fire protection. While the Dorset heathland's integrity will be preserved, only one tree would have been removed, and a robust tree protection plan would be implemented. Archaeological assessment had not identified harm to limited archaeological findings within the area whilst heritage assessment has identified heritage assets in the area, yet the impact on the setting of listed buildings was deemed minimal due to established screening. Engagement with the Southern Gas Network (SGN) confirmed that potential concerns related to the pressure gas pipeline could be addressed through proposed conditions. The planning balance, analysed in a comparison table, supported a favourable development outcome within the green belt, aligning with paragraph 153 of the National Planning Policy Framework and demonstrating very special circumstances. The project aimed to import and store electricity through renewable sources, contributing positively to wider environmental benefits. Ultimately, the environmental and public advantages presented by this development outweighed the potential harms, leading to a conclusion that most concerns were acceptable, some with specified conditions.

It was recognized that any adverse impacts on the green belt were given substantial weight, with the expectation that only exceptional circumstances may warrant departure from established guidelines. Regarding design elements, the proposed elevations for the proposed containers, along with acoustic fencing, had been strategically considered, ensuring minimal impact on the nearby settlement boundary. The proposal had been evaluated for biodiversity enhancements and received no objections from Natural England. Furthermore, the traffic management plan has been acknowledged as appropriate and robust, supporting the expected degree of vehicle movement during the construction period. Specifically, there will be limited two-way HGV movements, with routing directed away from sensitive areas. To conclude, overall, the benefit outweighed the harm, therefore the officer recommendation was to grant subject to conditions at Section 20 of the report.

 

 

Public Participation

Ms. Lees presented a compelling case in support of the proposed planning application, drawing on her extensive farming background to underscore its significance for the agricultural community. As one of many struggling farmers in Dorset, she highlighted the necessity for diversification, noting the rich history of the land in question. Speaking of the history of the site and existing diversification, initiatives included woodland schools, a campsite, a fishing lake, and a college for children with disabilities, promised not only to enhance local facilities but also to create further employment opportunities. Ms. Lees emphasized that since converting the farm to organic practices for environmental benefits at the turn of the millennium, they had embraced a unique situation by being approached for a solar farm that aligned seamlessly with their ethos. This big diversification scheme was designed to benefit the community at large, fostering collaboration and enabling investments that reflected their commitment to sustainable practices. She urged the committee members to support the officer recommendation and grant approval for the project, recognizing its potential to revitalize the local economy and empower the farming sector.

 

Mr. Thompson endorsed the officers’ support for the application. He underscored the significance of such infrastructure to ensure the availability of electricity during periods without solar or wind energy production, particularly across England. Referring to the Dorset Council's declarations regarding Climate, Ecological, and Nature Emergencies, he articulated that the proposed battery storage site could serve as a timely solution to these pressing challenges, should it be approved. Mr. Thompson acknowledged the constraints imposed by limited capacity on the electricity network, which inhibits the advancement of renewable energy projects in the region. He expressed satisfaction with the applicant's careful site selection, which considers local impact by situating the facility in a secluded area and enhancing its screening through additional planting. In response to concerns raised by the Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Thompson confirmed that comprehensive noise assessments have been conducted. He assured that noise emissions will be meticulously controlled, aligning with previously established agreements to minimize any impact. The proposal also adhered to the latest guidelines from the National Fire Chiefs Council, involving extensive consultations with the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services. The design would have featured two emergency access gates, safe turnaround areas for emergency vehicles, and strategically placed fire hydrants within 90 meters of both entrances. Furthermore, the inclusion of CCTV would have bolstered site security, while robust monitoring and control systems would prevent battery overheating.

 

Mr. Thompson expressed confidence that the Planning Officer's detailed report justified the site’s temporary development within the Green Belt, meeting the Very Special Circumstances criteria. With no opposition from statutory consultees or local residents, and a favourable recommendation from the planning officer, he was enthusiastic about the potential contributions this proposal could have made towards fulfilling both the Council's and the Government's renewable energy targets.

 

Members questions and comments

  • Clarification regarding the eventual colour and finish of the proposal.
  • Queries relating to fire protection and how water would be used to cool down the units.
  • Safeguarding of the High-Pressure Gas pipe. 
  • Members sought clarity regarding whether the conditions within the officer report specifically referred to the point which the officer made in her presentation regarding the maximum length of time that the proposal would have been operational if members were minded to approve.
  • Response time for issue which could have affected the installation such as security or technical incidents.
  • Cllr Crabb queried the projected traffic movements during construction.
  • Clarification as to whether the applicant had considered a permissive path to restore connectivity.
  • Members weighed out the harm to the greenbelt versus the benefit if approved.
  • Queried whether there were any other benefits for the local community which hadn’t been included in the officer report as it is important that residents also see a benefit.
  • Members praised the officer’s presentation and report.

 

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT as recommended, was proposed by Cllr David Northam, and seconded by Cllr David Taylor, subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

 

Decision: To grant for the reasons set out in Section 20 of the officer’s report.

 

Supporting documents: