Agenda item

Site Visit: 10.15am to 10.35am

The Committee considered the report of the Business Manager – Planning Development, which sought the construction of a Solar farm with associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure.

A site visit had taken place prior to the commencement of the Planning Committee for Members, for the following reasons: that there were particular site factors which were significant in terms of the weight attached to them relative to other factors if they would be difficult to assess in the absence of a site inspection. There were specific site factors and/or significant policy or precedent implications that needed to be carefully addressed; and the proposal was particularly contentious, and the aspects being raised could only be viewed on site.

Members considered the presentation from the Senior Planning Case Officer, which included photographs and plans of the proposed development.

A schedule of communication had been circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with the Planning Committee Protocol, to all Members which included two additional public comments of objection.

Mr P William, objector, spoke against the application.

Councillor L Johnson, representing Norwell Parish Council, spoke against the application.

Mr C Calvert, the Agent spoke in support of the application.

Members considered the application and the Chair commented that the site visit undertaken that morning was extremely useful.  Members had walked to the brow of the hill which clearly showed the impact of this solar farm, which was contained in the Officer report.  The local Ward Member commented that the fields would be covered in solar panels having an adverse effect and the loss of good agricultural land when solar panels could be located on roof tops.  They would have an impact on the heritage of the village and the surrounding area. The onset of large vehicles as a consequence of the proposal would have a huge impact on the residents who liked to walk, cycle and horse ride.  The widening of the road was also considered of no benefit to the local residents and out of character for the area.  The solar panels would be a block on the landscape for forty years and they would be hard to dispose in the future.  This proposal would cause harm and have an impact on the Norwell conservation area and heritage assets within it such as the church and windmill tower.

Other Members commented on the cumulative impact from other solar farms in the area and felt that there was no community benefit from this development in spite of the impact it would have on local residents.  This application site would have an impact on more heritage assets than another local proposal near Kelham which only impacted on one. Members commented on the proposed screening of the site including 4m fencing and hedges being ineffective and an erosion of the local setting. Due to the elevations of the site, it would be impossible to screen the proposal from the village and would mean a fundamental change to Norwell. 90% of the village was considered in a Conservation Area and this application would change the village of Norwell for forty years. Concerns were raised on the impact of the scheme on the identified listed buildings and Conservation Area.  The application was considered inappropriate for a development of this nature.

A vote was taken and lost for approval with 0 votes For and 13 votes Against.

AGREED     Moved Councillor A Freeman and Seconded Councillor L Dales (unanimously) that contrary to Officer recommendation Planning Permission be Refused, for the following reason:

(i)               Adverse impact on the setting of the Listed Building’s, notably Grade I Church and windmill and major adverse impact on the Conservation Area etc outweighed the benefits.

The wording to be delegated to the Business Manager – Planning Development in consultation with the Planning Committee Chair and Vice-Chair.

In accordance with paragraph 18.5 of the Planning Protocol, as the motion was against Officer recommendation, a recorded vote was taken.