Agenda and draft minutes

Resolved -

That the minutes of the meeting of Strategic Planning Committee, held on 11 February 2025, be confirmed by Members and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no declarations of interest.

Considered -

The report of the Assistant Director of Planning – Community Development Services requesting Members to determine a planning application for the erection of a solar farm together with ancillary development thereto at Hillam Grange, Austfield Lane, Hillam.

The application was reported to Committee due to the application being defined as a departure from the adopted Development Plan for which the Secretary of State must be consulted and where it was intended to recommend approval.

A Planning Officer presented the Committee report highlighting the proposal; the site location, viewpoints and description; the context to the application; planning guidance; and policy and planning considerations. The report also provided a conclusion and recommendation.

An update to the report had been published and outlined:-

·        A further letter of representation from the ‘Together in Hillam and Monk Fryston’ Group

·        Correspondence from an objector and responses to the issues raised

·        Updates to the wording of conditions 2, 7, 9 and 18.

Councillor Tim Grogan, the Divisional Councillor, addressed the Committee in respect of the application highlighting the following:

·        He was opposed to the application

·        He considered it to be inappropriate development in the Green Belt

·        Over 70% of best, most versatile agricultural land would be used for the development. This should be protected in respect of food security.

·        The report was contradictory and confusing.

·        The impact of the development has been played down in some parts of the report.

·        The vies of some consultees had not been taken account of.

·        The visual impact of the proposals would be detrimental to the area.

·        There was undue pressure to provide this development due to the proximity of the site to the grid.

·        This would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding countryside and, therefore, should be refused.

A statement from Hillam Parish Council was read out by the Clerk highlighting the following:-

·        Their strong objection to the application

·        The development was in the green belt and was of no direct benefit to residents

·        The application relating to the connection to Ferrybridge power station should be heard at the same time as this application as the connection would create significant disturbance to the local residents.

·        The Parish Council disagreed with the report stating that they thought the application was “well thought out”

The applicant, Chris Atkinson of Noventum Power, addressed the Committee highlighting the following:-

·        The proposal was in accordance with the Climate Emergency and the need for additional clean energy

·        Such developments were providing an answer to these serious concerns

·        The report was clear and appropriate, providing the relevant details for the proposal and clear conditions in respect of the development to assist with the protection of the local community

·        It was not a simple process identifying appropriate sites for solar farms as they had to be near to a grid connection and not have a major impact on the surrounding area

·        The proposal would make a major contribution towards ‘Net Zero’ by 2030 and would assist in reducing the reliance on imported energy.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

Considered -

The report of the Assistant Director of Planning – Community Development Services requesting Members to determine an amendment to the previously reported affordable housing condition on application 20/01706/EIAMAJ at land off Whinney lane, Harrogate; application 18/05202/EIAMAJ at land off Lady Lane and Whinney Lane, Harrogate; and application 22/01558/EIAMAJ on land between Beckwith Head Road, Otley Road, Howhill Road and Howhill Quarry Road, Harrogate and to determine a clarification and amendment to the previously reported planning self and custom build planning condition on application 20/01706/EIAMAJ on land at Whinney Lane; and application 18/05202/EIAMAJ on land off Lady Lane and Whinney Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

The report was brought before the committee because the amendments relate to material changes in strategic applications that form part of a wider ‘urban extension’ to the West of Harrogate which is included within the West of Harrogate Parameters Plan (WHPP). The purpose of bringing these matters under one report was to continue the aligned, holistic approach for the West Harrogate Project set out in the Harrogate District Local Plan and the WHPP.

A Planning Officer presented the Committee report highlighting the proposed alterations to the previous approvals; the site locations, viewpoints and descriptions; the context to the applications; planning guidance; and policy and planning considerations. The report provided conclusions and recommendations in relation to the proposed amendments. It was noted that subsequent to the previous approvals none of the S106 agreements had been signed and completed, therefore, no decision notices had been issued in relation to the 3 applications. Should Members be minded to approve the planning condition changes these would be incorporated and issued on the relevant decision notices following completion of the S106 agreements.

Members considered the report and the following issues were highlighted:-

·        Members expressed disappointment regarding the reduction in the percentage of affordable housing tat was being requested. It was explained that the transfer value of the properties had increased significantly which had led to a significant increase in costs for the developer. As the developer was entitled to obtain a certain level of return it had been agreed that a reduction in the percentage of affordable housing would retain the viability of these projects.

·        A level of self-build and smaller development had been included in the amendments to offset some of the concerns regarding a reduction in the percentage of affordable housing.

·        It was suggested that further negotiations should be undertaken with the developer in an attempt to raise the percentage of affordable housing provided from that indicated within the report. In response it was noted that the levels stated accorded with the appropriate policies, therefore, it would be difficult to renegotiate this position.

·        A number of Members were opposed to the amendments and it was proposed and seconded that these be refused, but the 5% self-build aspect of the revised scheme be retained.

·        Other Members considered that further negotiation should be undertaken with the developer to try and increase the percentage level of affordable housing before a decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances.

There was none.