Agenda item

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

Members considered a major full application from Mr K Smith for the installation of a solar farm with associated infrastructure, access and security fencing at Yorwaste, Harewood Whin, Tinker Lane, Rufforth York.

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application. Members were provided with an update to the report detailing corrections to the officer’s report at paragraph 4.1, 5.5 and 5.13. The revised consultee responses from Design and Conservation (Trees and Landscape) and the Carbon Reduction team were noted. Members were advised of a revised Condition 10 (landscape scheme and an additional condition regarding the submission and approval of drawings for the solar PV arrays.

Public Speakers

Hannah Wafer, Agent for the Applicant, spoke in support of the application. She explained that it was an application for a solar farm in the Green Belt. She noted that City of York Council had declared a climate emergency and that the development met energy needs. She noted that the development was unique and included planting along the boundaries. She explained how the applicant had worked proactively with the council on the application. She was asked and explained the applicant had spoken to both airfields who had initially been concerned about glare from the solar farm and she noted that areas A and B were not impacted.

Using the screen in the room, the Development Manager showed where area C of the site was on the indicative site plan and also where the planting was on the site.

Following debate, Cllr Fisher proposed the officer recommendation to approve the application following a referral to the Secretary of State, revised condition 10 and additional condition regarding the submission and approval of drawings for the solar PV arrays. This was seconded by Cllr J Burton. Following a unanimous vote in favour, it was;

Resolved: That the application be approved subject the to a referral to the Secretary of State and revised Condition 10 and additional condition:

Revised Condition 10

No development shall take place until there has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a detailed landscape scheme in accordance with the approved Landscape Strategy. This shall include the species, stock size, density (spacing), percentages and position of trees, shrubs and other plants, seeding mixes, sowing rates and notes on establishment and maintenance with reference to the Landscape and Ecological Management Plan. This scheme shall be implemented within a period of 12 months from the start of development of development operations on site or within 6 months of the completion of development, whichever is sooner. Any trees or plants which within the lifetime of the development die, are removed or become seriously diseased, shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority agrees alternatives in writing.

Additional Condition

Prior to the construction of the solar PV arrays a drawing showing the finalised layout of the arrays and associated infrastructure shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved drawing and details.

Reason:     In the interests of visual amenity, landscape character and airfield safety as the submitted drawings are marked “indicative only” in accordance with policy D2 of the Local Plan.

Reason:     The proposal for the construction of a solar farm is acknowledged to be inappropriate development within the Green Belt and to give rise to landscape harm. However, subject to appropriate conditions the proposal is felt to be acceptable in terms of flood risk and drainage, biodiversity, loss of agricultural land, 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 considered to be acceptable in planning terms and approval is recommended subject to 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.