Agenda item

Installation of 40MW ground mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar development including a substation & new fencing with associated landscape mitigation & ecological/ecosystem service enhancements.

This application had been the subject of a site visit by the committee on the Monday prior to the meeting which the following members attended.

 

Cllrs Robin Cook, John Worth, Shane Bartlett, Dave Bolwell, Alex Brenton, Jean Dunseith, Sherry Jespersen, Mary Penfold, Belinda Ridout and David Tooke.

 

Cllr Mike Dyer did not attend the site visit, therefore he did not take part in the debate or vote on the application.

 

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report which proposed the Installation of 40MW ground mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar development including a substation & new fencing with associated landscape mitigation & ecological/ecosystem service enhancements.  He gave an update on a typing error in paragraphs 13.0 and 15.8 of the report.  The contribution towards AONB mitigation was to be collected over 40 years and not 20 as stated in the report

 

The proposed site was situated midway between Dorchester and Wareham, North West of Winfrith Newburgh and to the west of East Knighton. 

 

The presentation included maps and photographs of the application site which was agricultural and mostly flat in nature, noting the former nuclear power station Winfrith.  The proposed location of the sub-station was already screened with well established trees and hedges.

 

The Access point to the site was via an existing bridleway which would be upgraded to support traffic during construction and would remain open during and after construction.  There were no plans to remove any of the trees or hedgerows from the site.

 

It was noted that some existing watercourses on the site were proposed to be left to ensure surface water drainage.  There were a few neighbouring properties – none of which directly abutted the site.

 

Committee members were advised that there was the potential for surface water flooding on the proposed site layout plan and the number of solar arrays had been reduced to accommodate that and therefore would not exacerbate any existing flood issues on the site.  The Lead Local Flood Authority were happy and it was noted that the site was in Environmental Agency Flood Risk Zone 1 but was not considered to be of particular risk of surface water flooding but nevertheless any opportunity of surface water pooling had been removed from the arrays.

 

A detailed landscaping plan would be conditioned it the application were approved.

 

The Senior Planning Officer expanded on the information relating to elevations, locations, the solar arrays and advised that the security fencing would be set back from existing hedgerows to provide wildlife corridors. He gave an overview of the proposed landscaping, a more detailed landscaping plan was the subject of a planning condition. Further tree and hedgerow planting would enhance screening and reduce visual impact.  The site was close to but not within the Dorset Area of Natural Beauty (AONB)

 

Following the closing summary members were given the opportunity to ask questions.

 

In response to committee member questions the Senior Planning Officer advised that the bridleway continued to Winfrith Heath, the first 50m would need to be a hard surface and would adhere to highway safety and the safety of the horses, but the remainder would be of natural material

 

The proposal was considered acceptable in terms of biodiversity which would ensure protection of any wildlife affected by the proposals

 

The maximum export capacity of the solar arrays would be 40MW. This would allow the solar park to generate clean renewable energy for the equivalent of approximately 14,000 homes a year, which would help with the shortage of power in Dorset from the National Grid.  This would be sufficient to make a difference to the Dorset wide area

 

With regard to the preservation of the barrows Historic England had been consulted and had discussions with the applicant and agreed a financial contribution would be provided to facilitate the restoration and improved interpretation of the two bowl barrows currently on the “Heritage at Risk” register.

 

In relation to the fence surrounding the sub-station, the onus would be on the developer to ensure this was vandal proof and complied with Health and Safety standards, however the Senior Planning Officer advised that a condition could be added to ensure the fencing used must be secure.

 

In response to the issue of de-commissioning, a plan was detailed in condition 3 of the report to ensure compliance.  Condition 8 entailed  details of proposed finished levels or contours, the exact location of the substation within the site, hard surfacing materials for the substation including the colour, details of the CCTV cameras and the poles on which they are situated including the height of the pole, materials and colour to be approved by the Local Planning Authority.

 

Proposed by Cllr Belinda Ridout, seconded by Cllr Bolwell:

 

Upon being put to the vote the Committee were unanimously minded to grant the application subject to the conditions set out in the report and the completion of a legal agreement under section 106 of the town and country planning act 1990 (as amended)  in a form to be agreed by the legal services manager to secure financial mitigation for two barrows on the heritage at risk register and for the AONB, and recommended that the Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement determined the application accordingly.

Or

Refuse permission if the agreement is not completed by 15^th June 2022 or such extended time as agreed by the Head of Planning.

 

This should include the addition condition for fencing to be approved.

 

Following the “minded to” vote, the Head of Planning confirmed that he had attended the site visit, listened to the presentation and debate and would

take the decision in accordance with the committees minded to decision.