Minutes:
Grid Ref: E: 284921 N: 291803
Valid Date: 29.01.2024
Community Council: Trefeglwys Community Council
Applicant: Esgair Galed Energy Park Limited
Location: Land 3800 Metres West of Staylittle, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys
Proposal: Erection and operation of a temporary meteorological mast for an approximate 36-month period
Application Type: Full Application
The Senior Planning Officer advised that two further public representations had been received, one objecting to the application and the other in support of the application.
Councillor G Mitchell spoke as the local representative.
Mr Brimson spoke against the application.
In response to a question the Professional Lead Planning advised that the Local Development Plan [LDP] did not contain specific policies relating to masts, but other policies in respect of landscape and visual impact would apply to this application. The Professional Lead Planning also advised in response to a question that Technical Advice Note [TAN] 8 had been superseded by Future Wales. This identified three areas in Powys for development of wind energy, however this application was not for wind energy.
The Committee noted that the applicant had advised that no concrete would be used on site and the Senior Planning Officer advised that steel anchors and pins would be used to secure the mast and the guy wires would be anchored by railway sleepers. In response to a question she also advised that the PCC Ecologist had no objection to the application subject to a condition being included that bird deflectors be installed on the guy wires.
In response to questions the Highways Officer confirmed the transport requirements and that no crane would be required to install the mast.
The Committee noted that 85 objections had been received and one letter of support. Concerns were raised about the visual impact, the impact on users of Public Rights of Way and the impact on the historic landscape. In response to a question the Senior Planning Officer advised that the Snowdonia National Park had not been consulted.
It was moved and duly seconded to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation with an additional condition stating that concrete should not be used on the site. The motion was lost on the vote.
The Committee noted that the objector had referred to impacts on birds in the area. Concerns were raised that there was no data providing the wildlife baseline at the site.
It was moved and duly seconded to refuse the application contrary to the officer’s recommendation due to insufficient information to demonstrate that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact upon the landscape, to users of the rights of way and the potential impact on birds at the site.
RESOLVED: |
Reason for decision: |
that the application be refused contrary to officer’s recommendation and that the wording of the reasons for refusal delegated to the Professional Lead – Planning in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair. |
1. Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that, as a result of its scale and siting, the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact upon the landscape and enjoyment by users of Public Rights of Way. The application is therefore contrary to Policies SP7 and DM4 of the Powys Local Development Plan (2018).
2. Insufficient information has been submitted to enable consideration of the potential impact of the proposed development upon birds and ornithology contrary to Planning Policy Wales (Edition 12, 2024), Technical Advice Note (TAN) 5: Nature, Conservation and Planning (2009), LDP Policies DM2 and SP7 and Supplementary Planning Guidance Biodiversity and Geodiversity (Adopted October 2018). |
The meeting adjourned to enable members to read the update circulated prior to the meeting in respect of Item 4.3.
County Councillor H William left the meeting for other Council business.
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