Agenda item

Installation of a solar farm with associated infrastructure, access, security fencing and landscaping [Rural West York Ward].

Members considered a major full application from Mark Wood for the Installation of a solar farm with associated infrastructure, access, security fencing and landscaping on land to the south of New Farm, Lords Lane, Nether Poppleton, York.

The Head of Planning and Development Services outlined and gave a presentation on the application. In response to a Member question she showed the site of the clay extraction site, to the south of the site.

Members were provided with an update noting that the applicant had agreed to the upgrading of passing places on Newlands Lane between its junction with the A59 and Lord’s Lane. This had been amended in Conditions 19 and 20.  Members were advised that there was an amendment to condition 14 to refer to an updated Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). Clarification was given on the terminology EIA development, and it was confirmed that there had been additional representation from a local property expressing concern in respect of Area A of the proposal. He was asked by a Member where the passing places on Newlands Lane between its junction with the A59 and Lord’s Lane were on the site layout.

Public Speakers

Geoff Beacon spoke on the application regarding car provision and the green belt. He cited research on the green belt.

Scott Johnson spoke in support of the application on behalf of the applicant. He detailed the assessment of the site and engagement with the landowners of the site. He explained that the land was flat and was screened by hedgerows. He noted Poppleton Parish Council’s input into the plans and that public consultation had been carried out. He added that the applicant had engaged with Newlands Farm. He added that the solar farm would have a net benefit to wildlife and noted the key benefits of the supply of clean energy. In response to Member questions Scott Johnson explained that:

There was 32.6 megawatts at peak power. He noted that peak power was close to export power.

It was necessary to decommission the solar farm after 30 years due to the uncertainties in technology and solar technology.

Officers were then asked and explained the passing places for construction traffic and they confirmed that the impact on the Public Right of Way (PROW) network would be during the construction of the solar farm.

Following debate, Cllr Fisher moved the Officer recommendation to approve the application after referral to the Secretary of State and subject to the conditions listed in the report and amendment to conditions 14, 19 and 20. This was seconded by Cllr Fenton. Following a unanimous vote in favour it was:

Resolved: That the application be given approval after referral to the Secretary of State subject to the conditions listed in the report and amendment to conditions 14, 19 and 20:

Condition 14

Updated Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP).

Condition 19

The development hereby permitted shall not come into use until the following highway works (which definition shall include works associated with any Traffic Regulation Order required as a result of the development, signing, lighting, drainage and other related works) have been carried out in accordance with details which shall have been previously submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, or arrangements entered into which ensure the same.

Upgrading of passing places on Newlands Lane between its junction with the A59 and Lord’s Lane

Such scheme shall specify:

i) Dimensions,

ii)  Surfacing,

iii) Provision for maintenance,

iv) Signage

The upgraded passing places shall be retained and maintained for the lifetime of the development.

Reason:  In the interests of the safe and free passage of highway users.

Condition 20

The development hereby permitted shall not be undertaken beyond site layout works until a scheme to assess the need for additional passing places on Newlands Lane and Common Croft Lane has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Should the scheme identify additional spaces the following information shall be submitted: 

i) Dimensions,

ii)  Surfacing,

iii) Provision for maintenance,

iv) Signage

v) Programme for implementation

Any agreed additional passing places shall then be provided, retained and maintained for the lifetime of the development.

Reason:  In the interests of the safe and free passage of highway users.

Reasons:   The proposal for the construction of a solar farm to produce 32.6 MW of electricity per annum over a 55.9-hectare site in two portions lying to the northwest of Nether Poppleton village is acknowledged to be inappropriate development within the Green Belt. However, subject to appropriate conditions the proposal is felt to be acceptable in terms of flood risk and drainage, biodiversity, loss of agricultural land, landscape impact and transportation and access. It is felt that the clear environmental benefits when put in the context of the declared climate emergency, of generation of a significant quantity of renewable energy clearly outweighs the harm to the Green Belt and the localised harm to the adjoining landscape character. The proposal is therefore felt to be acceptable in planning terms and approval is recommended following referral to the Secretary of State, on the basis that it falls within the thresholds in respect of development in the Green Belt contained within the 2024 Town and Country Planning (Consultation) England Direction.