Agenda item

A major full application for the installation of solar photovoltaic array with associated infrastructure including kiosks, security fencing, cctv and internal access track. [Wheldrake Ward] [Site Visit].

Members considered a major full application by Kelda Energy Services for the installation of solar photovoltaic array with associated infrastructure including kiosks, security fencing, cctv and internal access track.

Officers advised that should Members be minded to approve the application, as it was both non-residential development of over 1ha in size and was defined as inappropriate development within the Green Belt, and was considered to have a significant impact on the openness of the Green Belt, then the application must be referred to the Secretary of State. Planning permission could not be granted for a period of 21 days following the start of the consultation to allow the Secretary of State to consider whether he would determine the application. (The Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009)

Officers advised that, as there had been some uncertainty about the ownership of the hedgerows surrounding the site, that condition 10 (landscaping) should be amended to require that the scheme included details of new hedges or hedgerows to be planted along the inside of the existing hedgerows immediately adjoining the site.

Mr Paul Kelly, on behalf of the applicant Kelda Energy Services Ltd, addressed the committee in support of the application. He explained that the water treatment works was a very energy intensive operation and the company was looking to reduce reliance on carbon energy with a programme of wind, solar and biogas to produce renewable energy. He advised Members that Elvington was the largest water treatment works in Yorkshire and used a lot of energy but if approved this scheme would produce 15% of the works’ demand through renewable energy.

Members enquired as to whether vegetation would be allowed to grow around the panels and how this would be managed. The applicant advised that a bio diversity plan would be in place which would allow natural flora and fauna to flourish. Members were advised that a disposal plan would be put in place for when the units came to the end of their life.

Resolved: 

That the application be approved after referral to the Secretary of State subject to the conditions listed in the report and the amended condition below.

Amended Condition 10 (Landscaping)

No development shall take place until there has been submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a detailed landscaping scheme which shall illustrate the number, species, height and position of trees and shrubs.  The scheme shall include details of new hedges or hedgerows to be planted along the inside of the existing hedgerows immediately adjoining the site. This scheme shall be implemented within a period of six months of the completion of the development.  Any trees or plants or any parts of the new hedges or hedgerows which during the life-time of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species, unless alternatives are agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  To ensure the maintenance of screening to the site and to protect the appearance and character of the area and so that the Local Planning Authority may be satisfied with the variety, suitability and disposition of species within the site.

Reason:    

The site is within the Green Belt and the proposals comprise inappropriate development in the Green Belt with additional impact on openness and permanence.  However, in the overall balancing exercise, even when substantial weight is given to the harm to the Green Belt and the additional harm to the landscape character of the site, the benefits of the generation of significant amount of renewable energy and the particular site circumstances are considered to clearly outweigh the identified harms. These therefore amount to very special circumstances necessary to justify the inappropriate development in the Green Belt.