Agenda item

Install ground-mounted solar panel photovoltaic solar arrays, substation, inverter stations, transformer stations, security fencing, gates and CCTV; form vehicular access, internal access track, landscaping and other ancillary infrastructure (with variation of Condition No. 2 of Planning Permission No. P/FUL/2021/01018 to extend the operational period of the site from 35 years to 40 years).

The Case Officer presented a visual overview, including plans and aerial photographs, to identify the site and explain the proposal, alongside relevant planning policies. The proposal had previously been brought before the committee in July 2023, and this return was necessary as the officer recommendation contradicted the Mappowder Parish Council's stance. The key change was the proposed rewording of condition 2, extending the reference from 35 to 40 years, with no other amendments. The site context within Dorset was reviewed, including the approved site plan, elevations for the solar arrays, and the substation area. Ancillary structures were also considered as part of the development.

The main planning considerations highlighted included the principle of extending the development by an additional 5 years, and the environmental effects, particularly regarding visual and landscape impacts, flood risks and ecology. Public benefits were noted, including the extension of permanent jobs and the generation of additional power to support homes, assisting the council's aim to be carbon neutral by 2040. Similar solar farms for a 40-year period have been granted planning permission. The environmental effects also considered flood risks and visual impacts, with localized visual effects along the footpath passing through the site and photomontages from the nearby bridleway. The site was within the setting of the Dorset National Landscape. In terms of visual and landscape impact it would remain challenging to fully mitigate the impact.

Biodiversity considerations included a requirement to review the landscape and ecological landscape management plan after 5 years of operation and thereafter every 5 years. A slightly reworded condition (Condition 5) was proposed to address extend the lifetime compliance period of the Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) to align with the proposed variation of condition 2. Highway and transport colleagues raised no objections, and there were no additional effects on residential amenity. No harm to heritage assets was identified, and the site was covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) that included all trees, with none proposed for removal on the site. The LEMP also included management for veteran trees. The overall public benefits of the proposal were considered substantial and would outweigh any adverse impacts on the local landscape and the setting of the Dorset National Landscape. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

Public Participation

Mr Brian, representing ‘Save Hardy’s Vale’, spoke in objection to the proposal. He stated that in 2021, the applicant assured the council that the solar development would not have caused harm to the landscape. However, Mr Brian argued that it would cause prolonged harm that could never be fully mitigated in a designated area, which was highly sensitive to solar development. Mr Brian pointed out that the applicant had previously claimed flooding was not an issue and that it was unnecessary to calculate the existing greenfield runoff rates. He emphasized that, in light of recent developments, comprehensive pre-commencement drainage conditions were now necessary. He referred back to the 2023 committee, Mr Brian noted that members were told it was unimaginable for solar panels to increase peak flows of surface runoff and flooding, but he questioned whether the opinion-holder held a hydrological qualification. He expressed concern that the committee was wrongly advised, believing that the drainage needed only to match the existing rates of surface runoff and flooding. Mr Brian referred to the NPPF to support his case and noted that, in July 2023, the committee had asked for the area of the solar panels, which had not been provided. He requested that the application be deferred until the applicant submitted drainage and flooding proposals to the council.

Ms Fogarty thanked the committee for allowing her to speak in support of the application. British Solar Renewables was a British company who created accessible renewable energy. Under the existing consent, granted by the planning committee in July 2023, the solar park would power 13,000 homes each year making a significant contribution to the council’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2040. The proposed additional five years would allow the Solar Park to continue to power thousands of homes and maximise the energy generating capabilities of the existing infrastructure. An addendum to the approved Environmental Statement was submitted alongside the application which confirmed that the assessments, findings and recommendations within the Environmental Statement remained unchanged. The proposed 5-year extension would not impact upon the construction phase as there would be no additional traffic or materials, nor would it affect the duration of the construction period. If granted, the approval would be subject to several planning conditions which Ms Fogarty outlined, highlighting a surface water management scheme. BSR remained committed to returning the site back to its original condition. The additional five years of operation would allow for the maximisation of renewable energy generation and support Council ambitions. She requested the committee's support.

Mr Moise represented Mappowder Parish Council. He stated that the application that was being considered sought to extend the life of a development approved with conditions in July 2023. He noted that the decision at that time was influenced by numerous factors. Referring to the authority's planning record, he highlighted that the Officer’s report emphasized the need for the development to remain safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere. Mr. Moise stressed the importance of transparency and ensuring that the parishes were kept informed of the applicant's proposals, particularly to ensure that the installation of solar panels did not exacerbate current flooding levels. He also mentioned that a further condition should have been provided to detail soil management plans, outlining how soil compaction would be avoided. Additionally, he referenced a 2023 report from the Welsh Government regarding the impact of solar photovoltaic sites on agricultural soils and land.

Members questions and comments

• Cllr Taylor inquired about the extent of the solar panel coverage and the location of their installation. He also requested further clarification regarding the management of water runoff and its intended direction.
• Queried whether there would be energy benefits for the local area.
• Would there be an obligation for the applicant to replace existing solar panels with more modern efficient solar panels as technology developed.
• Reiterated that the committee were not being asked to consider the original application, but to consider whether members were content that an additional 5 years was acceptable.
• Becoming more common for solar farms to be granted permission to operate for 40 years.
• Thanked the members of the public and parish council for their representation.
• Members thanked the officer for the comprehensive report. 
• Did not feel as though an additional 5 years would result in any significant harm.

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 the planning application as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Belinda Bawden, and seconded by Cllr David Tooke.

Decision: Grant the application as per the officer recommendation.