Issue - meetings

Hindolveston - PF/23/0153 - Installation of a ground mounted solar PV system, at Church Farm Land North East Of, Dairy Barn, Fulmodeston Road, Hindolveston

 

 

Meeting: 20/07/2023 - Development Committee (Item 29)

29 Hindolveston - PF/23/0153 - Installation of a ground mounted solar PV system, at Church Farm Land North East Of, Dairy Barn, Fulmodeston Road, Hindolveston pdf icon PDF 254 KB

Decision:

Decision

Approved

Minutes:

Cllr L Vickers declared non-pecuniary interest in the item, however advised she was a Member of Hindleveston who had formed a view on the application, as such, she advised she would abstain from speaking or voting on the application.

 

Officer’s Report

The SPO-MB introduced the Officers report and recommendation for approval. The application had been referred to Committee for determination under the Council’s scheme of delegation as the site was over half a hectare. The SPO-MB confirmed the site location, aerial view, proposed site plan, and views of the site. The main issues for consideration were; whether the proposal was acceptable in principle, the effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape, effect on biodiversity and effect on residential amenity. The SPO-MB advised the proposal was located in a discrete location, largely screened by hedgerows and trees, that there would be a negligible impact on biodiversity with enhancements from the wildflower planting.

Public Speakers

None

Members Debate and Questions

  1. Cllr A Fitch-Tillett proposed acceptance of the Officers recommendation.

 

  1. Cllr J Toye expressed his support for renewable energy, he noted the comments from the CPRE but reflected that the applicant would be introducing Wildflower Meadows. He asked that information be provided to the applicant with respect of maintaining the pond, given how essential ponds were to biodiversity. Cllr J Toye seconded the Officers recommendation.

 

  1. Cllr P Fisher endorsed comments made by Cllr J Toye.

 

  1. Cllr A Brown noted the increasing volume of this type of application, and asked that the scheme of delegation be reviewed to increase the threshold for Officer Delegation. As Portfolio Holder he was keen to discuss this matter with Officers.

 

  1. The Chairman supported a review of the scheme of delegation and in increasing Officer Delegation with respect of solar farms.

 

  1. The DM confirmed that it would be the Local Member Protocol which would need to be reviewed, and that he would be agreeable to have discussions outside the meeting.

 

RESOLVED by 11 votes 1 abstention. 

 

That Planning Application PF/23/1053 be approved in accordance with the Officers recommendation.