Minutes:
Considered
The report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services requesting Members to determine a planning application ref. ZB23/02461/FUL - Installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) array/solar farm with associated infrastructure (as amended) at OS Fields 7456 and 6163, Amplecarr, Husthwaite on behalf of Woolpots Solar Farm Ltd.
The application was considered by the North Yorkshire Council Strategic Planning Committee on 13 August 2024 where the Committee resolved to defer the application to allow the applicant to submit additional information regarding the development’s boundary fencing specifications and to provide further clarification regarding the height/orientation of the proposed photovoltaic panels in respect to their ability to allow sheep grazing to take place under them. The agent provided additional information in respect to these matters, and the application was brought back to the Strategic Planning Committee to consider.
An update to the report had been provided prior to the meeting which included comments from The Rt Hon. Sir Alec Shelbrooke, K.B.E, M.P., dated 17.09.2024; an additional representation received from Husthwaite Parish Council, dated 11.09.2024; an additional representation received from David Aspinall, Fairbanks, High Street, Husthwaite, dated 27.09.2024; an additional representation received from Sarah Aspinall, Fairbanks, High Street, Husthwaite, dated 27.09.2024; an additional representation received from Ian Harper, Black Bull Cottage, The Nookin, Husthwaite, dated 05.10.2024; a representation from the application agent (Envams) dated 03.10.2024; a ‘Handout for Members’ with photographs and Maps attached; and a representation received from Sonia Hunter, dated 07.10.2024. The update also outlined alterations to Conditions 2, 5, 7, 8, 18,19 and 20, and provided six additional conditions. Planning Officers presented the Committee report and this supplementary information, 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.
Divisional Member, Councillor Alyson Baker, addressed the Committee highlighting the following.
· The proposal would use existing, much needed, BMV land and compelling evidence to use this land, rather than other nearby land, has not been provided.
· The potential impact on the soil for longer than the 40 year lifespan.
· Cumulative impact.
· Proximity to protected landscape.
Simon Pilcher, Objector, addressed the Committee highlighting the following.
· Lack of professionalism from the Applicant.
· Noise of the electrical equipment will disturb local people and tourists.
· Safety precautions are not enough and concerns of decommissioning the site.
Chris Nichols, Husthwaite Parish Council, addressed the Committee highlighting the following.
· Significant opposition to the scheme from residents.
· Concerns of further industrialisation of the Parish.
· Visual impact, specifically the proposed fencing and sub-station.
· Safety concerns.
Michael Bird, Envams, addressed the Committee highlighting the following.
· The requested information has been provided and queries raised at the last meeting have been answered.
· Reasons for refusal are not fully evidenced and do not accurately reflect the impacts of the development or the facts around land use for solar PV.
· The proposal makes an extremely limited contribution to the existing visible of solar development.
· Rarity of a sub-station being nearby.
· Urgent need for solar energy.
Members discussed the application and the following issues were raised.
· There is no reason to doubt that 70% of the site is BMV land.
· Arrangements for dealing with chemical fire and the battery management plan would be required through a condition.
· The applicant has not submitted any suitable information to successfully demonstrate that the use of the BMV agriculture is necessary and unavoidable, and lower grade land should be prioritised.
· Queries surrounding the significantly higher MWh highlighted in Paragraph 3.5 of the report.
· Cumulative impact with the Boscar Grange and Peter Hill solar farms.
· No knowledge of tenants on the land.
· Value of the existing on-site grid connection.
· Concerns over the spraying of vegetation if the application is granted – Officers raised concerns over a condition limiting spraying when a biodiversity management plan would be in place.
· Solar energy is more efficient than the biofuel that is produced from the maize currently grown on the site. It was highlighted that the crops grown on the land may change.
· A sustainable food supply is as important as energy.
Resolved
That planning permission be REFUSED for the reason stated in the report.
Voting on this resolution was as follows.
8 for
4 against
0 abstain
Councillor Hugill returned.
Supporting documents: