Agenda item

19/02397/VARN

(OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: PERMISSION)

SITE: Abbotts Ann Solar Park Photovoltaic Installation, Dipden Bottom Lane, Goodworth Clatford, GOODWORTH CLATFORD

CASE OFFICER: Ms Katherine Bundy

Minutes:

 

APPLICATION NO.

19/02397/VARN

 

APPLICATION TYPE

VARIATION OF CONDITIONS - NORTH

 

REGISTERED

04.10.2019

 

APPLICANT

Abbotts Ann Farm Solar Park Limited

 

SITE

Abbotts Ann Solar Park Photovoltaic Installation, Dipden Bottom Lane, Goodworth Clatford, GOODWORTH CLATFORD

 

PROPOSAL

To vary condition 1 (time limit) of 14/02110/FULLN (Proposed solar park comprising the erection of solar arrays, inverters, transformers, equipment housing, security fencing and ancillary equipment) to extend the length of planning permission to 40 years from the first export date (28/03/2015)

 

AMENDMENTS

18.12.2019 – Further justification for application received.

 

CASE OFFICER

Katherine Bundy

 

 

 

PERMISSION subject to the following conditions, notes and the prior completion of a Deed of Variation to the section 106 agreement secured under planning permission reference 14/02110/FULLN to secure traffic routing.

 

 

1.

This permission shall be for a period of 40 years from the date that the development is first connected to the grid (the "First Export Date").

The development shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition no later than the date 40 years from the First Export Date (28/03/2015) or within six months of the development failing to generate electricity for 12 consecutive months, whichever occurs first. All structures and materials, and any associated goods and chattels shall be removed from the site and the land shall be restored to its former condition in accordance with a scheme of decommissioning work and land restoration that shall have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. 

Reason:  In order that the land is restored to its original condition following the expiry of the period of time whereby electricity is likely to be generated by the proposed development and for which a countryside location has been shown to be essentially required, in accordance with policies COM2 and E2 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016.

 

 

2.

The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the drawing numbers listed on the decision notice issued for application reference 14/02110/FULLN: 2605_4, 2605_5, 2664_6, 2664_7, 2664_8, 1214-0201-29, 1214-0200-05, 1214-0204-00 Rev. 02, 1214-0201-27, 1214-0500-01 and 2664-100 F.

Reason:  For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of proper planning.

 

 

3.

The external surfaces of the DNO Switchgear, private switchgear and fence shall be maintained and retained in Moss Green (RAL: 6005) and the external surfaces of the spares container shall be maintained and retained in Bottle Green (RAL: 6007), in accordance with the approved details.

Reason:  To ensure the development has a satisfactory external appearance in the interest of visual amenity in accordance with Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016 policy E1.

 

 

 

 

4.

The development shall be managed in accordance with the approved landscape management plan, titled ‘Landscape & Landscape Management Plan,’ Rev D, and dated 24.03.2015, and any subsequent amendments to the landscape management regime as have first been agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority as part of the approved review process.

Reason:  To improve the appearance of the site and enhance the character of the development, and to assist in the development successfully integrating with the landscape, in the interest of visual amenity, and to contribute to the character of the local area in accordance with policies E1 and E2 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016 and to ensure that appropriate biodiversity enhancements are incorporated into the development, in accordance with policy E5 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016.

 

5.

Visibility splays of 2.4m by 120m metres shall be provided at the access onto Stockbridge Road and maintained as such at all times. Within these visibility splays notwithstanding the provisions of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that Order) no obstacles, including walls, fences and vegetation, shall exceed the height of 1 metre above the level of the existing carriageway at any time.

Reason:  In the interest of highway safety in accordance with Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016 policy T1.

 

6.

The gates on the access track will be set back at least 16.5 metres from the edge of the carriageway of the adjoining highway, and will be maintained for the duration of the development.

Reason:  In the interest of highway safety in accordance with Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016 policy T1.

 

7.

At least the first 16.5 metres of the access track measured from the nearside edge of carriageway of the adjacent highway shall be surfaced in a non-migratory material prior to the use of the access commencing for the purposes of construction of the approved development, and shall be retained as such at all times.

Reason:  In the interest of highway safety in accordance with Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016 policy T1.

 

8.

Notwithstanding the terms of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, no lighting shall be installed at the site unless in accordance with details that have first been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  To safeguard the amenities of the area in accordance with Test Valley Borough Local Plan 2006 policy LHW4, and to ensure that no harm is caused to protected species or their habitats, and the biodiversity interests of the site in accordance with policies E5 and E8 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016.

 

9.

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations and mitigation measures set out in Section 8 of the Abbotts Ann Solar Park Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (The Landmark Practice, September 2014).

Reason:  To ensure adequate protection is afforded to protected species and their habitats, and to ensure that appropriate biodiversity enhancements are incorporated into the development, in accordance with policy E5 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016.

 

10.

No new vehicular or pedestrian access to the site shall be formed other than in accordance with the approved plans.

Reason:  In the interest of visual amenity having regard to policies E1 and E2 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016.

 

12.

No part of any solar panel, its frame or support shall exceed 2.45 metres in height measured from adjacent ground level.

Reason:  In the interests of visual amenity having regard to policies E1 and E2 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016.

 

13.

There shall be no more than 4 no. CCTV cameras located on the application site, to be sited on poles not exceeding 4m in height as measured from adjoining ground level.

Reason:  In the interests of visual amenity having regard to policy E2 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016.

 

Note to Applicant:

 

1.

In reaching this decision Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has had regard to paragraphs 186 and 187 of the National Planning Policy Framework and takes a positive and proactive approach to development proposals focused on solutions. TVBC work with applicants and their agents in a positive and proactive manner offering a pre-application advice service and updating applicants/agents of issues that may arise in dealing with the application and where possible suggesting solutions.

 

 

Supporting documents: