Agenda item

Construction of Solar Farm and associated infrastructure.

The Case Officer provided members with an update to the officer’s report and presented a visual overview to members, including site plans and aerial photographs, to identify the location and outline the proposal in the context of relevant planning policies. The site was confirmed to lie within the designated Green Belt and in close proximity to the National Landscape. Public rights of way crossed the area, and the site was near the Mannington Substation. It was surrounded by agricultural land, and site photographs were used to illustrate the rural setting. The proposed site plan detailed the rolling topography and existing vegetation, alongside proposed planting. The same type of transformer units as previously presented  were proposed, though in reduced numbers, along with equipment storage containers, security cameras, and perimeter fencing.

The application was advertised via site notices and press advertisements, and consultee responses were summarised. A landscape and visual impact assessment was presented, including viewpoints from Horton Tower. The proposed planting scheme is intended to mitigate visual impact, and the development's relationship with the National Landscape was assessed under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Two listed heritage assets were considered, Horton Tower and Heythorne Cottage; however, the Conservation Officer and Historic England raised no objections. The loss of agricultural land was noted and the proximity to residential dwellings was considered acceptable in terms of amenity. Access was proposed through the existing farm entrance, and traffic flows were illustrated. No flood risk was identified, and proposed drainage measures were deemed acceptable. There were no protected trees on site, though some hedgerow loss would occur. Biodiversity impacts were reviewed and addressed through proposed conditions. In the planning balance, the benefits of the development outweighed the identified harms, and it was recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

Public Participation

Mr Davidson objected to the proposal, describing it as a commercial venture that could set a precedent. He raised concerns over the lack of a clear grid connection plans, cumulative impact from similar developments, and insufficient assessment of visual harm to  nearby listed heritage assets. He noted that screening may take decades to mature and questioned whether a 40-year term could’ve been considered temporary. The site bordered ancient woodland, and he argued more suitable locations existed. He highlighted strong local opposition and council objections, disputing the claimed national benefits and describing the impact as overwhelming and unjustifiable.

Mr Boyd, a long-standing resident, objected to the application, stating he regularly walked the nearby footpath and opposed the proposed view. He argued that any screening would take years to become effective and believed the development offered little added value. He saw no significant local or long-term economic benefit and criticised the use of green belt land. He claimed the applicant had ceased exploring alternatives and had not adequately considered the impact. He described the proposal as a business opportunity lacking sufficient public benefit.

Mr Hardy expressed full support for renewable energy but felt the focus should be on rooftop solar. He cited university research and noted that Dorset already had the highest number of approved solar farms nationally. He supported small, well-screened developments with minimal visual impact and hoped future local plans would include stronger protections. He urged the council to protect the local countryside.

Mr Snell, who had lived and worked on the farm since 2003, explained that farming had evolved rapidly and has become increasingly competitive due to international markets and rising input costs. He described food production as high-risk and saw the proposed solar site as a vital additional income stream and contribution to national renewable energy goals. He emphasised that, if approved, the solar panels would not have rendered the land unusable and that the project would help secure the long-term viability of the family business.

The agent, Ms Alexander stated that the application was supported with no technical objections and aligned with relevant policies, including the council’s climate emergency declaration. The site was expected to generate up to 19.88 megawatts, supporting the national grid and powering thousands of homes. She noted that emissions had been considered, changes made to the proposal, and that the project supported habitat creation and ongoing agricultural use. Although within 300 metres of a national landscape, she explained that the site's low-level nature, existing woodland, and proposed planting would have limited its visual impact.

Members questions and comments

• Queried whether an additional condition could be added to address any Tree Preservation Orders.
• Clarification was requested regarding the potential impact on protected species, particularly in relation to darkness.
• It was suggested that appeal decisions be referenced to reinforce the justification of special circumstances.
• The question was raised whether the biodiversity gains and carbon emissions reductions, resulting from improved soil management and planning, were being counted as part of the environmental benefits.
• Clarification was sought regarding the integration of rooftop solar, wind energy, and solar farms, emphasizing the need for appropriate renewable energy solutions through whichever necessary means.
• Acknowledgment was made of recent public polling, which reflected concerns about renewable energy.
• The officer’s report and responses to public concerns were commended, noting significant mitigation efforts.
• It was emphasized that the overall benefits, particularly in terms of public good and biodiversity increase, had been clearly demonstrated.

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 Cllr by David Taylor.

Decision: Grant subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report.