Agenda item

Construction of a solar farm with all associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure

The Committee considered a report of the Principal Planning Officer with regards to the Construction of a solar farm with all associated works equipment and necessary infrastructure at Bluestone Farm Low Lands Cockfield Bishop Auckland (for copy see file of minutes).

C Teasdale, Principal Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation which included a site location plan, aerial photographs, site photographs from various locations, and a proposed site layout plan.  Members had also been invited to attend a site visit the previous day.

Councillor R Potts was in attendance as Local Member and the Chair confirmed that Members had received his written statement prior to the meeting.  Councillor Potts did not wish to add anything further at the meeting.

Mr J Selwyn, spoke on behalf of the Developer and gave an introduction on the company’s investment in solar energy the UK.  They wanted to establish long term relationships with the local authorities and communities in which they were investing.  He confirmed that a pre application had been submitted in May 2021 followed by a full application early in 2023 and the Developer had been working closely with the Council and local community to address issues that had arisen.

Mr Selwyn advised that the site was not the best and most versatile agricultural land, it was allocated as grade 3b and used for sheep grazing which would continue after construction.  The site was well screened with existing buffers and the scheme had been designed to enhance and expand existing wildlife habitats.  There were no statutory designations or objections and only five public objections; three of which were from the same household.  Nine supporting letters had been received.

The Developer had worked with planning officers to minimise the impact of the development.  It would be situated  on the lowest point of the site.  No objection had been received from the Landscape Officer and the Public Right of Way would not be impacted when the scheme was operational.  Following extensive engagement with the community some improvements had been made.

Mr Selwyn highlighted that a significant financial contribution was proposed which would see £400,000 distributed to local community projects to benefit the area, in addition to free energy surveys for around 60 local houses.  In summary, the scheme offered significantly financial contributions to the area, animal grazing would continue and there would be an increase in biodiversity net gain.  The scheme had received no statutory objections and the substantial benefits outweighed its impact.

The Principal Planning Officer confirmed that the proposed community benefits had not been afforded any weight as it was considered that identified harm could not be mitigated by financial contributions or community benefits.

Councillor Atkinson considered the application to be sound with positive benefits for the community and climate targets.  He moved the recommendation for approval.

Councillor Elmer was impressed by the application, particularly that sheep would continue to be grazed and the significant biodiversity net gain.  It was important to acknowledge the community benefits despite that they were not a material planning consideration.  The Landscape Officer had commented on the visual impact however this was a subjective judgement.  The appearance of the landscape changed dramatically over decades or centuries according to changes in use.  It was important to address the global climate emergency and he therefore seconded the recommendation to approve the application.

Councillor Jopling had attended the site visit and in her opinion the site appeared to be low lying and would not cause a great deal of impact on the view.  The community benefits were welcome and the Developer had made every attempt to try and mitigate any issues.

The Chair highlighted that the scheme would last a significant period of forty years.

Councillor Higgins had attended the site visit and despite the local support, he shared a different view.  He referred to the scenic views which he believed would be devastated by the scheme.  He considered that countryside views were part of the County’s heritage and should be protected.

Councillor McKeon suggested that the biggest threat to the countryside was climate change.  She referred to recent weather changes, which had created a milder climate.  Soaring temperatures impacted on grass and biodiversity and the world was suffering a mass extinction event.   The countryside would be lost without this type of scheme.  Local residents did not object to the scheme, there was no loss of agricultural land and it had massive benefits in renewable energy and security.  The UK relied on other countries and had to start investing in home grown renewable energy.

Resolved

That the application be APPROVED subject to conditions outlined in the report and the completion of a Section 39 Agreement.