Agenda item

The installation and operation of a renewable energy generating station comprising of ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays together with inverter/transformer units, BESS units, control house, substation, onsite grid connection equipment, storage containers, site access, access gates, internal access tracks, security measures, other ancillary infrastructure, and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements (Major Development/Affecting Public Right of Way) (Amended Plans) at land to the north of Stretton Road, Morton.

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The Committee considered an application that had been submitted for the installation and operation of a renewable energy generating station comprising of ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays together with inverter/transformer units, BESS units, control house, substation, onsite grid connection equipment, storage containers, site access, access gates, internal access tracks, security measures, other ancillary infrastructure, and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements (Major Development/Affecting Public Right of Way) (Amended Plans) at land to the North of Stretton Road, Morton. The application had been referred to Committee by Councillors K Gillott and A Cooper, who raised some concerns about the impact on the landscape character, cumulative impact of this and other solar developments, proximity to residential properties, loss of agricultural land and its potential impact on highway safety.An update report had been circulated which set out late representations regarding the application.

The recommendation by officers was to conditionally approve the application, with a legal agreement to mitigate Skylark nesting. The report to Committee explained the reasons for this.

The report accepted that the proposal would cause harm to the character, quality, distinctiveness and tranquillity of the immediate landscape setting. However, the potential harm would be outweighed by the environmental, biodiversity and socio-economic benefits of the scheme. Further to this, the report highlighted that the proposed development could be made acceptable in many respects by the imposition of planning conditions and legal agreement.

Officers concluded that the proposal was in accordance with the overall aims of National Planning Policy Framework and Local Plan to achieve sustainable development. They recommended, therefore, that the application be approved, subject to conditions and legal agreement.

Before the Committee considered the application it heard from Local Ward Members, Councillors K Gillott and A Cooper, and a representative from Morton Parish Council, Neil Radford. Committee also heard from objectors, Sarah Barraclough, Rebekah Spackman and Eddie White, as well as the Applicant, Ben Kwok, and the Agent, Kenny Dhillon.

Committee considered the application. It took into account the relevant Local and National Planning Policies. These included Local Plan Policy SS9, concerning development in the countryside, Local Plan Policy SDC3, concerning landscape character, and Local Plan Policy SDC10, concerning renewable and low carbon energy generation.

Committee discussed the application. Members accepted the benefits of solar farms in terms of the push towards renewable energy generation. However, it was suggested that this did not mean all applications for solar farms should be passed. In this context, some Members highlighted the adverse impact that this scheme had on biodiversity in the area, on the footpaths that crossed and overlooked the site, and the amenity of local residents. Some Members suggested that the value of the land should be determined by the amenity it provides to the local community. In this context, it was suggested that the proposal represented significant harm to the amenity of the area and to Morton residents. It was concluded that the benefits of the proposal did not outweigh the harm caused and it was, therefore, not in accordance with policies in the Local Plan.

At the conclusion of the discussion Councillor H Liggett and Councillor W Jones moved and seconded a Motion to refuse the application, contrary to officer recommendations. The Motion was put to a vote and approved.

RESOLVED –

That planning permission be refused, with the final wording of the reasons for refusal delegated to the Planning Manager (Development Management).

Councillor H Wetherall left the meeting, and Councillor A Cooper joined the meeting.