Minutes:
Grid Ref: 276414 212002
Valid Date: 06/02/2015
Officer: Tamsin Law
Community Council: Ystradgynlais Town Council
Applicant: Mr David Mackins, Juwi Renewable Energies Ltd
Location: Land at Bryn Henllys Open Cast Mine site near Cwmllynfell, Upper Cwmtwrch, Swansea, Powys
Proposal: Full: Installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm with ancillary infrastructure capable of generating up to 20 MW
Application Type: Application for Full Planning Permission
Councillor L. Evans spoke on behalf of Ystradgynlais Town Council.
Mr A. Rees spoke as the agent.
The Principal Planning Officer advised that this was a finely balanced recommendation for approval, as the benefits of renewable energy and the economic benefits had to be weighed against the landscape impact. The Principal Planning Officer advised that if the Committee was minded to approve the application she recommended that it be delegated to the Professional Lead Development Management for a condition regarding the decommissioning and remediation of the site after 27 years.
The Principal Planning Officer in response to questions advised that, although she understood the comments about the providing community benefits there was nothing that could be required under a S106 agreement. The Solicitor agreed that, a S106 agreement could not be used for securing community benefits unless they were directly related to the development and such a provision passed all the S106 tests..
The Highways Authority in response to questions advised that there would only be increase traffic during the 30 week construction period.
In respect of the decommissioning and remediation the Principal Planning Officer advised that this was one year each for construction and demolition and 25 years for operation. She advised that there was nothing stopping the owner making a further application to extend the life of the site.
It was noted that Development Management considered this to be a finely balanced recommendation. Concerns were raised about the size of the proposed development and although it was stated that it could produce up to 20MW the average solar farms in the UK operate at around 25% of their capacity over the course of a year and so this made it even more finely balanced. The Principal Planning Officer responded that even at this level it would be producing green energy for a large number of homes and contributing to carbon offset.
The Principal Planning Officer advised that conditions 22 and 23 referred to landscaping and the protection of the Rights of Way.
In determining the application all Environmental Information submitted with the application was considered.
RESOLVED: |
Reason for decision: |
that the application be granted consent, subject to the conditions set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes and that it be delegated to the Professional Lead Development Management as to whether a condition or Section 106 agreement regarding the decommissioning and remediation of the site after 27 years is added.
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As officers recommendation as set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes.
To ensure the conditions are enforceable. |
County Councillors M.J. Jones and K. Laurie-Parry resumed their seats in the meeting.
The Committee adjourned for lunch at 13.12 hrs and reconvened at 13.50 hrs.
County Councillors H. Hulme and G. Williams left the meeting. County Councillor J. Williams left the meeting on other Council business.
County Councillor K. Lewis having declared a prejudicial interest left the meeting room for the next application.
Supporting documents: