Agenda item

The construction and operation of gas powered generators for the provision of flexible energy generation.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer which consisted of the construction and operation of gas powered generators for the provision of flexible energy generation, on land at Mill Hill, North West Industrial Estate, Peterlee (for copy see file of minutes).

The Senior Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation of the application, which included site location plans, site photographs and aerial photographs of the site.

Councillor Laing queried the implications of operating the gas generators and the Senior Planning Officer confirmed that they did produce a noise but were contained within an acoustically sealed container.

Councillor Jopling asked how the conditions were monitored and the Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the developer would need to seek an environmental permit and any complaints would be investigated by the Environment Agency or the Councils Environmental Health Team.

In response to a query from the Chair, the Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the generators were not uncommon in County Durham but were typically situated on landfill sites.

Councillor Laing moved the recommendation for approval, which was seconded by Councillor Davinson.

Resolved:

That the application be APPROVED subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement to secure the provision of;

·       £40,294 for offsite biodiversity mitigation works

and subject to the conditions outlined in the report.