Agenda item

Construction and operation of a Synchronous Condenser located within an agricultural style steel frame building with associated transformer and cooling systems and other ancillary equipment located within a fenced compound and associated landscaping.

The Senior Planning Officer, Lisa Morina, gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, a copy of which had been circulated (for copy see file of minutes).  Members noted that the written report was supplemented by a visual presentation which included photographs of the site.  The Senior Planning Officer advised that Members of the Committee had visited the site and were familiar with the location and setting.  The application was for the construction and operation of a Synchronous Condenser located within an agricultural style steel frame building with associated transformer and cooling systems and other ancillary equipment located within a fenced compound and associated landscaping and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions. 

The Chair thanked the Senior Planning Officer and asked Mr Daniel Grierson, agent for the application, to speak in support of the application.

Mr D Grierson thanked the Chair and Committee and explained that the role of the proposed synchronous condenser was to help sustain the frequency of the substation by use of a large flywheel and motor.  He added the condenser would effectively ‘pump’ to top up supply and was increasingly necessary as electricity was provided less by fossil fuel power and replaced by low carbon sources.  He explained that the location and position within the grid was as per National Grid requirements, in their request for proposals to help ensure provision and reduce the chance of blackout or brownout.  He noted the design of the building was agricultural with external cooling elements.  He noted screening with existing planting and an area of woodland and plans for a restored calciferous wildflower meadow, an improvement on the low biodiversity area used for grazing. 

Mr D Grierson noted the proposals were in line with policy and the design was such to present the minimum impact.  He added that the condenser would operate for up to 20 years, after which it would be decommissioned, and the site restored.  Mr D Grierson thanked Members and noted he would be happy to answer any questions from the Committee.

The Chair thanked Mr D Grierson and asked the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor L Brown noted there was only one nearby resident, however, asked as regards noise levels from the proposal.  The Chair asked Mr D Grierson if he could respond.  Mr D Grierson noted that the property belonged to the landowner, and he had been involved throughout the process and was aware of the impacts.  He added that the Council’s Environmental Health section has added conditions and noted that noise levels were not atypical for an electrical installation.

Councillor J Elmer noted he had attended the site visit which had been very useful and explained the site nestled in the landscape and was in the style of an agricultural building, though noted that was a broad term, with many of the other buildings in the area being white.  He noted he would be happy to proposal approval, though asked whether it would be possible for a condition to have the building be coloured dark green to help it fit in better.  Mr D Grierson note that had been the intention, however, would be happy for such a condition. 

Councillor J Quinn noted he had initially a few concerns upon receiving the report, however, upon attending the site visit those concerns had been addressed and therefore he would second the proposal for approval, including the additional condition relating to a dark green finish.

The Senior Planning Officer noted that noise issues were addressed within

Conditions Four and Five as set out in the agenda papers, with Condition Five referring to an acoustic wall and Condition Four noting maximum allowed noise levels.  The Senior Planning Officer noted the agent for the applicant had noted their willingness to paint the proposed building dark green, and that the colour was stated within the application form, however, should Members wish a condition could be included.  Councillor J Elmer noted he wished for a condition to be added to that effect.

Upon a vote being taken it was:

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED, subject to the conditions as set out within the report and an additional condition relating to a dark green finish.